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OINS AND COINAGE.
THE
TED ST1TES MINT,
PHILADELPHIA,
'ORY, BIOGRAPHY, STATISTICS, WORK,
IACHINERY, PRODUCTS, OFFICIALS.
eceg of
icM Copper1, Bra$
IIR VALUE.
IVERSITTj
TOKENS, M^QfcLS; COLONIAL, NATIONAL, STATE, INDIVIDUAL:
ESPECIALLY RELATING TO THE PAST AND PRESENT
OF THE UNITED STATES,
DESCRIBED AND MARKET PRICE QUOTED.
jXj'CTS'T'Ze-A.TEID IvIOST PEOPTJSELT.
PHILADELPHIA, PA. :
A.M.SMITH, Publisher.
ALL RIGHTS RE8ERVED.
FOURTH EDITION, REVISED AND ENLARGED.
•ILLUSTRATIONS.
PAGE
Annapolis Shilling, 1783 90
Annapolis Sixpence, 1783 91
Annapolis Threepence, 1783 91
Automatic Weighing Machine 27
Baltimore Town Piece 91
Bar Cent, 1785 96
Bland Dollar 71
Brasher's Doubloon, 1787 99
Carolina Elephant 93
Casting Ingots 16
Cent, 1808 84
Cent, 1816 85
Cent, 1856-59 86
Cent, Bar, 1785 96
Cent, Chain, 1793 .81
Cent, George Clinton, 1787 48
Colonial and Continental Notes 115-116
Cent, Colonies Francoises, 1722 94
Cent, Colonies Francoises, 1767 95
Cent, Immunis Columbia 98-105
Cent, Kentucky 110
Cent, Talbut Alum Lee 100
Cent, Washington. ..97-10-3-106-107-108-109
Coining, Middle Ages .11
Coining, Presses 12-13-25
Coining, Punch A. D. 337 10
Coins Connecticut 101
Coins, New England
Coins, Summer Island.
Colonial Coins
Copper, Excelsior, 1787.... .^-..I>fe7#
Coppers, Inimica Tyrannis, I785^J..„T04«
Coppers, New Jersey. jfc....l02
Coppers, Vermont 100
Coppers, 2 cent piece, 1864 80
Counting Board 29
Cutting Press 20-21
Dies 26
Dimes 76-78
Dismes Half Dismes, 1792 5
Dollars, Gold 66
Dollars, Silver ..67-70
Double Eagles 57
Draw Bench 19
Eagles, 1745-1870 58
Excelsior Coppers, 1787 97
First Steam Press, U. S. Mint 12
Five Dollar Gold Coin 59-62
Franklin Cent ....Ill
Fugio Cent Ill
George Clinton Cent, 1787 98
Georgivs Triumpho Copper, 1783 109
Gold, Brasher's Doubloon, 1787 99
Gold Coins, U. S 57-66
Granby Copper 89
Half Cent 86-87
Half Dimes Silver, 1796-1835 78
Half Dimes Silver^ 1838 79
Half Dismes and Dismes, 1792 5
Half Dollars, .. 72-74
Half Eagles 59-62
Higby Coppers 89
Ingots 17
Ingot Casting 16
Immunis Columbia, 1787 98
Immunis Columbia, 1786 105
Inimica Tyrannis, 1785 104
Kentucky Cent 110
Kentucky Token 110
Libertas Americana 45
PAGE
Liberty Cap Cent, 1793 ......82
Liberty Cap % Cent 87
Liberty Cent, 1799 84
Liverpool Half Penny 106
Lord Baltimore Money 90
Louisianna Coins 94-95
Machine, Automatic Weighing 27
" Coining 11-13
Milling 23
Rolling 17-18
Mark Newby Cent 92
Massachussetts Coins, 1788 103
Maryland Coins 90
Medals, National 38-40-42-44
Middle Age Coining 11-13
Milling Machine '23
Mint U. S. Philadelphia 14
Mind Your Business Ill
Mott Token, 1789 9'J
National Medals 38-40-42-44
New England Sixpence 88
New Jersey Coins 102
New York Cents 97
Nickel Coins 79-80
Nova Caesarea Copper, 102
" Constellatio, 1785 104
Non Dependens Status, 1773 96
Oak Ts»*i!ttoney, 1652 89
►pilar, Gold 66
liar, Silver 67-70
y^-Rosa Americana 94-95
Half Virginia 95
Perforated Strip 22
Perfected Coining i ress 13
Pine Tree Money 89
Pitt Token, 1766.. 93
Press Cutting 20-IM
Quarter Dolhr 7-1.
Quarter Eagle %&
Rosa Americana, 1723-1738 93-94
Rolling Machine 17
" Gold 71
Shilling, Annapolis 90
" New England 88
Silver Coin First American H
" Coins, U. S 66-79
Steam Press U. S. Mint 12
Strip, Perforated '. 22
Summer Island Coin 8
Ten Dollar Gold Coin 58
Trade Dollar, 1880 70
Three Dollar Gold Coin 65
Three Cent Pieces, 1870 79
Twenty Cent Piece, 1875 76
Two and Half Dollar Coin 59-62
Two Cent Pieces, U S 80
Threepence, New England.... 89
Threepence, Annapolis 91
Town Piece, Baltimore 91
Token, Pitt, 1766 93
Token, Rosa Americana 93
" " 1733 94
" Kentucky 110
" Mott 99
s Talbut Allum 1 ee 100
Virginia Half Penny 95
Vermont Copper Piece
Vermont Victoria, 1788
Washington Cent
Wreath Cent, 1793
TABLE OF CONTENTS.
PAGE
Adjusting Coin 22
Alloy of Cents - 86
Alloy of Nickels 79
Amount U. S. Coinage 5 to 9
Ancient Coins ■ 34
Annapolis Tokens 91
Arizona Gold «. 9
" Silver 9
Assay ~ 28 to 31
Assorting Machine 33
"Auctori Plebis'' Token 109
Australian Coins 34
Baby Head Cent 85
Baltimore Town Piece 91
Bar Cent .. 96
Biographies 48 to 56
Bland Dollar 71
Blondeau Piece 11
Bosbyshell, Col. O. C 55-56
Brasher's Doubloon 99
Brass Money 88
Brown Moses 8
British Settlement Kentucky Coin 110
Cabinet of Coins 32
" " Medals 34-48
California Gold .. 9
" Silver 9
" Carolina Elephant " 92
Cent " Bar" 96
" "Baby Head" > 85
" "Chain" 81
•' Copper and Nickel 80
" " Fugis " or " Franklin " Ill
" "Jefferson Head" 35
" " Kentucky" 110
" "Liberty Cap" 82
" "Massachusetts" 103
" "Plicaj" «3
" "Silly Head" 85
" "Tory" Head 101
" Washington 105
" N. Y 97
Double Head 106
Large Head 106
Large Eagle 106
" « Naked Bust 107
" " President , 106
" " Small Head 106
" Wreath 82
" Worth of Sets 86
Chain Cent „ 81
" Cob " Money „ 34
Coining ...„ ....9-48
" Ancient 10
" By Steam ».1M3
u Room 24-27
■ Press, Latest 12
■ Punch 10
*' in Vermont 100
" in New Jersey 102
*• Massachusetts 103
" Department 55
Coinage of first Eagles 7
Coins, Copper 80-88
M Odd,U S -
" Colonial' 8 U-112
" Colonies Francoise 94-95
Colorado Gold 9
Colorado Silver... .. 9
Colonial Coins «„ 88-112
Pagb
Connecticut Coinage 101
Continental Currency Piece -.Ill
Counting Boards '.8
Colonial and Continental Paper Money
115-118
Copper S
Coppers "Confederatio" 103
"Excelsior, NY". ........... 97
" "Georgivs Triumpho" 109
" "George Clinton" 98
" "Granby" <MJ
" "Higley" b9
" "Inimica Tyrannis" 10-1
Cutting Gold 20
Cutting Press 20
Curiosities, Relics, eic. 34
Cuppellation 30
Dakota Gold 9
Deposit of Gold in U SMint 8
Deposit Melting Room 15
Deposit Weighing Room 15
DeSaussure, Hon H W 41
Dismes...., 6
Discovery of Gold in North Carolina 8
Dimes, Silver 76-78
Dollars, Edge lettered 66
Dollar of 1804 68
Dollars, Silver - 66-71
" Standard... 71
" Trade 70
Double Eagles 57
Doubloon Brasher's 99
Draw Benches 19
Du Bois, Wm E .. 34
Eagles 57-58-59
Eaglet;* Goose 7
Eckfeldt, Adam 33
English Silver Tokens.. 36
Engraving Dies 31
Excelsior Coppers 97
Filing Coins 22
First U S Coinage 5
" Coining Press 12
"'US Mint.- 5
M Silver Dollars 7
Five Cent Nickel 79
Foreign Coins 34
"Franklin Press" Tokens 109
Fugio or Franklin Cent Ill
George Clinton Copper 98
Georgia Gold 9
Gold „ 8
" Assay 29
" Coins, U. S 57-66
" Melting and Refinng ...15-16
Gobrecht, Christian..
Goose vs. Eagle 7
Granby Coppers £9
Greek Coins .. 34
Gun Money 36
Halfnents 86-87
Half Dimes 78-79
HalfDismes 5
Half Dollars 71-74
Half Dollar, Washington 107
Half Eagles 59-62
Harman's Vt. Coins 100
Higley Coppers _ 89
History of Coinage 5-56
History of Philadelphia Mint 5-6-14-56
PAGE
Idaho Gold 9
Idaho Silver 9
"Immunis Columbia" 104-105
"In God We Trust" ....70
Ingots , 17
"Inimica Tyrannrs" Copper 104
'•Jefferson Head" Cent 83
Jefferson, Thomas 6
Kentucky Cent 110
Kentucky Tokens 110
Lake Superior Silver 9
"Lsuge Head Washington" Cent 106
Lettered Edge Coin K4
Libertas Americana Medal 43-45
Liberty Cap Cent 82
Liberty Cent 84
Lord Baltimore Money 90
Louisiana Coins 95
Lyon, Matthew Hon 7
Mark Newby's Money 92
Maryland Silver Tokens 90-91
Massachusetts Coins lo3
Maundy Money 36
Medals .. 37
Medals Mount Vernon 39
Medals 1812-1815 45
Medals Mexican War 46
Melting and Refining .. 15-16
"Mind your Business" Ill
Mints in New Jersey 102
Mint U. S. Philadelphia 5-6-14-56
Milling Machines „ 24
Milling Coin 24
Middle Age Coining !0
Mill and Screw Coining ......^....11
Mode of Coining 9
Modern Coins 34-35
Montana Gold 9
Montana Silver. 9
Morris, Robert 7
Mott Tokens 99
Myddleton Penny 110
National Medals 43
New England Elephant 92
Shilling 89
Newby's Money -, 92
New Jersey Coinage 102
" value 103
" Mint ...102
Nevada Gold 9
Nevada Silver ^^ 9
New Mexico Gold 9
New Mexico Pilver 9
N. Y. Excelsior Copper 97
" " Washington Cent 97
" " "Immunis Columbia" 98
Nickel Alloy 79
" Coins 79-80
North American Token J09
North Carolina Gold 8
Nova Caesarea 102"
NovaConstellatio 103
"Non Dependens Status" 9fi
"Nova Eboracs" 97
Numismatic Publications 102
Oak Tree Money 89
One Cent Copper 80
One Dollar, Gold 65-66
" " Silver 66-71
Oregon Gold ~
Origin of Mill Screw 1
PAGE
Overstrikes 74-76-83
Pattersen, R. M 12
Perfected Coin Press., j3
Pine Tree Money 89
Pitt Token - 93
Planchets 22
Portraits -. 32-33
Presidential Medals .— .^......47
Punch Coining. .. ]n
Quarter Dollars „ 74-76
Quarter Eagles 92-65
Rare Coins prices of 113-114-115
Rare Medals 37
" Silver Dollars 68-69
" Quarter 74-75
" 20c Pieces 76
" Dimes 78
" 3c Pieces 79
" lc Pieces 80-84
" y2c Pieces.. 83
Rittenhouse, David 5
Rolling Gold 17
Rolling Room..... 18
Rosa Americana Money 93
Scales 15-29-33
Scotch Pennies 36
Seyss' Automatic Weigher 27
Silver 9
" Assay 29
" Coins 66-79
'* Pennies 36-39
Silly Head Cent 85
Small Head Washington Cent 106
Snowden, Col. A, L 48-54
Snowden, J R 12
Sommer Island Coins 83
South Carolina Gold . 9
Standard Doltar 71
Superintendent of Mint 47
Tokens, Mott 99
" Washington 105
" Talbot, A, and L 100
" English 109
" North American 109
" Auctoris Plebis 109
" Franklin Press 109
" Continental Currency Ill
Testing Metals 28
Testing Scales 33
Thatcher, Judge 67
Three Cent Silver 79
Three Cent Nickel 79
Trade Dollars 70
Twenty Cent Pieces 76
Two Cents Copper 80
Tory Cents 101
Utah Silver 9
United States M int .14
Valuable Cents 85
Value of Foreign Coins 120
Value of Jersey Coins 103
Vermont Coinage 100
Virginia Gold 9
" % Pennies *•»
" Shilling 95
Washington Cents 105, 106,107
N. Y, 97
Half Dollar. 107
Bust Piece 109
" Piece with stars over
Eagle 108
HISTORY OF U. S. MINT.
The use of coins as a circulating medium, in substitution of
simple barter, has so long been a matter of every-day practice
that it is difficult to conceive the existence of a period when
their use was unknown ; and yet, the invention of coins, as we
now nnrWstftnrK-tka..±p.rTnJ is a romparnt.ivply modern one, not
dating- farther haefr than about seven or eight centuries before
the Christian era, though different modes of substituting metals
an 1 other substances for simple l>ar£er~Tia<r~been adopted at a
much earlier period.
X A coin, let it be found where it may, proves at once several
/ things concerning the people who originally used it, and their
vstate of civilization.
The first coins of the United States Mint were issued in a
small three story building in this city, at No. 29 North Seventh
Street, between Market and Arch Streets, and near Filbert
Street.
On thfi,31st of July. 1792, at 10 o'clock in the forenoon, the
foundation stone was laid for this the first United States Mint,
by David Ivittenhouse, Esq. The foundation was completed
and ready for the superstructure on Satuarday, the 25th of
August, 1792, and the frame work was raised in the afternoon
of the same day. The building was completed on Friday, the
7th of September, 1792. On Tuesday following, the 11th of
September, six pounds of old copper were purchased for the Mint
at Is. 3d. per pound, this being the first purchase of copper for
com
In the beginning of October, 1792, three presses were put in
operation and were first used for striking the half-dismes, of
which Washington makes mention in his annual message to
Congress on the 6th of November, 1792, as follows :
■*: : .'.
"There has 'also been a small beginning in the coinage oi *
half-disrues ; the want of small coins in circulation calling
the first attention to them."
This half disme has upon its obverse a female busf,, ernhlc-
.Imatic oi Liberty, lacing to the left. This is popularly supgoseS^
I'to represent the features of Martha Washington, who is said
|to have sat to the artist while he was designing it. The hair
| is short and flowing. Immediately beneath the bust is the
date 1792, surrounded by the legend " LiB(«rty), TAR(ent) OF
"SCTEXCE and industry." Reverse : Eagle on the wing, be-
neath the same is inscribed: "half disme." Legend: uxi-
(ted) states of America," This coin is said to have been
struclT from the private plate of Washington, which is not un-
likely, considering the great interest he took in the operations
of the infant mint, visiting it frequently, and personally su-
perintending many of its affairs. This half-disme made its first
appearance in October, 1792 ; but was not generally circula-
ted and has nbw become one of the rare coins of our national
coinage.*
From 1792 to 1832 there were coined in this modest little
building 132,592 eagles ; 1 ,925,867 half eagles ; 180,392 quar-
ter eaglesTTHtat -old coinage 2,238,854 pieces. Also 1,440,517
silver dollars; 59,584,783 half dollars; 2,506,029 quarter
dollars ; 8,619,600 dimes ; 4,942,647 half dimes ; total 77,-
093,576 silver pieces. Of the copper coins 62,925,602 copper
cents and 6,627,710 half cents were coined, making a total of
69, 553,312 copper pieces, or a grand total of gold, silver and
copper of 148,885,742 coins.
In 1833 the present United States Mint, located in Chestnut
Street below Broad Street, was completed, and made fire-proof
in 1856. The corner stone was laid by Samuel Moore, Esq.,
Director of the Mint, on the 4th of July, 1829.
The style of the present U. S. Mint is Grecian, of white
marble; built rather to insure security for its treasure than to
present an imposing appearance.
Tknj^nf r>€ A pri| ?. 1 7<K> established the Mint, the money
of account, and authorixed a National coinage. Prior to this
several preliminary steps were taken, and in January, 1782,
Thomas Jefferson proposed that coins of the United States
shall consist of" ten units to be equal to one penny; ten pence
one bitt ; ten bins one dollar ; ten dollars one crown." This
last coin to be of gold. Mr. Robert Morris, the originator of
*A "Disme," of double the weight and size, was also coined. It is
now of extreme rarity, excepting in copper, in which metal it is also
scarce.
.
this proposer1 coinage, appologized for introducing the name of
" Crown," in a country where that emblem had lost favor, by
Stating that his project was to have on the coin the representa-
tion of an Indian, with bow in his left hand, and thirteen
prows, emblematic of the thirteen original States, in the right,
with his foot on a crown. Although repeatedly discussed in Con-
gress, no further step was taken till 1784, when the Spanish
dollar was resolved uj^on as the standard, and upon this basis it
was proposed to strike four coins, namely ; " A golden piece, of
the value of ten dollars ; a dollar of silver ; a tenth of a
dollar, also of silver, and a hundreth of a dollar in copper."
""he first golden piece, of the value of ten dollars, called the
agio, was coined in June, 179o ; its weight 270 grains and 22
carats line. It bears upon the obverse a female head, emble-
matic of the Goddess of Liberty, wearing the liberty cap, the
hair flowing loosely. Around the edge of the field are fifteen
six-pointed stars — five on the right and ten on the left of the
same. Legend: "liberty." Exergue: "1795." Reverse:
American Eagle with expanded wings, holding in its beak a
laurel chaplet, and in the talons a palm branch. Legend :
" united states of America." Of this coinage there h but
one type and three varieties ; all of which are very scarce.
v The first silver dollar was coined in October, 1794. The
. field of the reverse was proposed to be occupied by an eagle.
This question of the emblems and devices of our National coins
was before the House of Representatives, when Matthew Lyon,
a Congressman from the South, warmly opposed the eagle as a
monarchial bird. The king of birds, he thought, could not be
a suitable representation of a country whose institutions were
founded in hostility to kings. In reply Judge Thatcher pro-
posed a goose, which he said was a most humble and repub-
lican bird, and would, in other respects, prove advantageous,
inasmuch as the goslings would be convenient to put on the
dimes. The laughter which followed at Mr. Lyon's expense
was more than he could bear. He construed this good-humored
irony into an insult, and sent Judge Thatcher a challenge.
The bearer delivered it to Mr. Thatcher, who read and re-
turned it to him, observing that he should not accept it.
" What ! will you be branded as a coward ? " " Yes, sir, if he
pleases. I always was a coward, and he knew it, or he never
would have challenged me." The joke was too good to be
resisted even by the angry party.
It occasioned infinite mirth in Congressional circles, and the
former cordial intercourse between the parties was soon restored
in a manner entirely satisfactory. This was a very happy
ending, and it was well said that Mr. Lyon wisely concluded
there was no use trying to fight an adversary who fired
nothing but jokes.
This silver dollar bears upon the obverse a female head,
with loose tresses failing below the neck. Legend : "liberty,"
directly over the head; seven six-pointed stars around the
uuter circle of the field, on the right of the effigy, and eight on
the left. Exergue: "1794." Reverse : American Eagle, with
extended wings, standing upon a rock, encircled by a laurel
wreath. Legend : " United States of America." Upon
the edge: One * * Dollar * * OB * Unit — * * *
Hundred Cents * * * * Of this
dollar there exists but one type, which is exceedingly scarce
and commands a considerable premium. The first deposit of
precious metal in the United States Mint was a lot of French
coins on the 18th day of July, 1794, and was made by the
Bank of Maryland, amounting in value to eighty thousand
seven hundred and fifteen dollars seventy three and a half
cents. Of gold the first deposit was made by Mcses Brown,
a merchant of Boston, Mass., and consisted of gold ingots,
amounting to two thousand two hundred and seventy six
dollars and twenty-two cents.
Prior to the discovery of the gold fields and mines of Cali-
fornia the supply for the coinage of American gold coins was
iurnished by parties importing foreign coins, a few stray lots of
African gold, and the products of the North and South Caro-
lina, Virginia and Georgia gold fields. The discovery of gold
in North Carolina was brought to the notice of this country in
1824, when a traveling merchant passing through a settlement
near Ruthford, N. C, noticed quite a large lump of gold ore*
used by a farmer in place of a stone to keep the door of his
cabin from shutting. The peddler asked the woman how much
she wanted for that yellow stone, as he called it, to which she
replied that any thing he was willing to make a present to her
boy Charlie, who knew where there were plenty of similar
yellow stones, would be acceptable. Three silver coins to the
value of about two dollars were handed the mother, who was
overjoyed with the liberal gift. The merchant soon brought
the nugget to a goldsmith who cheerfully paid him a sum
equal to about two thousand seven hundred dollars. The
name of that liberal and shrewd merchant, thanks to Divine
Providence, has been lost to posterity.
Gold is found in various parts of the earth, but is most
abundant in Africa, Siberia, U. S. of America, Japan and
Australia. In South America gold was first discovered by the
9
Spaniards in 1492, from which time to 1730 nuggets of gold of
various sizes and grades were shipped to Europe, when in that
year a nugget equal to sixty pounds troy weight was found
near La Paz, a town of Peru. Gold was discovered in Mal-
acca in 1731 ; in New Andulasia in 1785 ; in Ceylon in 1800 ;
in Virginia 1829 ; in North Carolina 1824 ; South Carolina
1829; in Georgia 1830; in California April 1848, and in
Australia in April, 1851. In 1858 gold was discovered in
what is now termed New Columbia, British America.
The deposits of gold of domestic production made at the
U. S. Mint, the different branches and assay offices from the
earliest period to the present day, January 1, 1881, include a
value of $702,058,970.35 from California ; 848,689,006.09 from
Montana; $35,417,517.54 from Colorado; $24,137,417.11 from
Idaho; $14,432,322.55 from Nevada; $15,414,509.57 from
Oregon; $7,698,082.03 from Georgia; $7,235,112.89 from Da-
kota ; $10,613,351.10 from North Carolina ; $2,256,742.06
from Arizona; $1,672,667.70 from Virginia; $1,569,472.14
from New Mexico ; $1,401,845,30 from South Carolina.
Silver exists in most parts of the world ; the silver mines of
South America, prior to the vast discoveries in the U. S.
of America, were by far the richest, although in Russia,
Spain, Germany and Norway a considerable amount of silver
was found mixed with other ores, such as copper, lead, etc.
In 1660 a mine was discovered in the district of La Paz,
in South America, which wTas so rich that the silver of it was
often cut with a chisel. In 1749 a block of silver was
discovered in Spain weighing over 370 pounds. From a mine
in Norway a block of silver weighing 560 pounds was
recovered.
The deposits of silver of domestic production deposited at
the U. S. Mint, the different branches and assay offices from
the earliest period to the present day, include a value of
$72,107,030.69 from Nevada; $20,183,889.56 from Colorado ;
$9,036,957.01 from Utah; $3,433,674.78 from Lake Superior
in Michigan; $2,221,484.63 from New Mexico ; $2,116,717.(54
from Arizona; $4,371,384.12 from Montana; 81,677,550.45
from California, and $727,295.50 from Idaho.
MODE OF COINING.
Our knowledge of the mode of coining money in early
times is extremely imperfect. As soon as the savage tribes
began to improve in civilization, or where driven back by the
10
more enlightened inhabitants, the coins began to show a
marked change for the better.
At the earliest period the impressions upon the coins were
made by a hammer and punch.
The piece of metal to be coined was first fashioned into a
semi-bullet shape ; this being placed upon the face of the die,
the punch was applied to it and struck with a hammer.
COINING PUNCH.
The one here represented was used by the Emperor Constans,
who reigned from A. D. 337 to 350. On the obverse die, the
letters STANS are still visible. The reverse has a figure
representing Victory, with a Trophy and a palm branch.
In Europe during the Middle Ages coins were made as shown
by the cut on the following page, representing a coining estab-
lishment in full working order.
In the foreground in the middle are seen the workmen at work
preparing the plate to its required thickness by application of
vigorous hammering ; to the left the man with shears cutting
that plate into the required rude shape of a coin, which is then
passed to the workman to the right who impresses the same with
11
COINING ESTABLISHMENT OF THE MIDDLE AGES.
the necessary inscriptions etc., by again applying the hammer
to the punch which stamps with force upon the die below.
The mill and screw is of French origin, the invention of An
toine Beucher, in 1553. It was continued in use until 1585
when it was laid aside, as it was found much more expensive
than the old hammer process. We find no mention of its
having been used after this time until 1623, when Briot, a
French artist, unable to persuade his own government to adopt
it again, passed over to England, where it was immediately put
in practice. There, finally after short duration, it was again
discontinued, for the same reason as before, and a resort had to
the old hammer and punch system. But when the Common-
wealth was established, Mr. Pierre Blondeau, a Frenchman,
who had carried the most improved modes of stamping coins
by the mill and screw to great perfection, took charge of the
coining operations at the English Mint. Blondeau, notwith-
standing his ingenuity, and his good services to the State,
appears to have been badly used by the authorities, although
his proces of the mill and screw was continued.
The mill and screw was continued in use in the U. S. Mint
until about 1836.
The first steam coining press was invented by Mr. Thonne-
12
tier, a Frenchman, in 1833, and was put in practice in the U. B.
Mint in 1836, the old screw-press having been used there up to
that time.
U S. MINT FIRST STEAM-POWER PRESS.
This press simple in construction, stands about five feet in
height, and takes up a space of about four by five feet. On
the back of this press is a brass plate, which has the follow-
ing inscription :
"First steam power press 1836.
Built by Merrick, Agnew and Tyler.
R. M. Patterson, Director United States Mint.
Remodeled and rebuilt, 1858, by D. Gilbert.
J. R. Snowden, Director United States Mint."
This press was used for many years, but finally was re-
placed by more effective machinery. Its defect was justly at-
tributed to the arch which was fastened to an iron table, and
caused too much vibration. A solid arch and other improve-
ments designed and executed by American mechanics obvi-
ated soon that vibration and a perfect coinage was the result.
This improved press was used for many years afterwards,
but finally had to give place to improved machinery. It- was
sold in 1874 to Mr. George B. Soley, who exhibited it in
Machinery Hall, during the Centennial Exposition, where it
was used to strike off the Centennial Medals.
13
PRESENT PERFECTED COINING PRESS.
The present press as represented by the above cut is the
perfection of mechanism. Great care has been taken to
obviate the unsteady bearing and the continued vibration
and by careful reconstruction after the model and improve-,
ments suggested by Col. A. Loudon Snowden, it performs its
work by the solid stroke. In this way not alone is there per-
fection, precision and excellent workmanship obtained, but
there is a saving of over seventy-five per cent, in the destruc-
tion of dies, which is highly appreciated by the Government
and reflects the highest credit on the genius of Col, Snowden.
14
THE UNITED STATES MINT OF TO-DAY.
On the north-west corner of Chestnut and Juniper Streets,
below Broad, stands a Grecian style building of white marble
somewhat gray from age, with a tall chimney rising from
the center in the back ground, and the U. S. flag flying
from a staff upon the roof, this is the U. 8. Mint of to-day.
Ascending a long flight of easy steps, and before entering the
building, a placard upon the main entrance door, informs you
that " Visitors are admitted from 9 to 12." This door opens
into a circular entrance hall, with seats around the wall.
Standing in the rotunda at the entrance, and looking into
the building, we have the office of the Warrant and Register-
ing Clerk's of the Mint on our left, and on the right the
Cashier's office. A polite and courteous usher meets you at
the door, and guides you through those departments of the
Mint which are open to visitors, for owing to the immense
amount of precious metal which is constantly in course of
transition from one form to another, and the care and watch-
fulness necessary to a correct transaction of business, visitors
are not permitted to visit some of the departments.
Passing through the hall leading to the yard the Minor
I
15
Coin Redemption room is on the right; a part of this room
is used by the Adam Express Company.
THE DEPOSIT WEIGHING ROOM,
n this deposit and weighing room all the precious metals
used by the Mint are received and weighed. The nicety and
exactness of the scales in this room is quite a study. The
scales, large and small, are balanced with wonderful delicacy.
The largest scale in this room will weigh from six thousand
ounces to the one-hundredth part of an ounce or about 5
grains troy. The next size weighs as much as three thousand
ounces, while the smallest weighs as much as three hundred
ounces at a draft. These scales are examined and adjusted
almost daily. The largest weight used in this room is five
hundred ounces and the smallest the one-hundredth part of an
ounce; but the smallest weight in use at the Mint is the
thirteen-hundredth part of a grain, scarcely visible to the
naked eye, except on white ground and in very bright light.
This weight is only used in the Assay office. The deposit and
weighing room is not accessible to visitors ; but through the
glass doors all that is of interest can be inspected.
On the right of this room is a vault, of which there
are twelve in the building. They are of solid masonary, and
several of them are iron-lined, with double iron doors, and
the most ingenious and burglar-defying locks.
THE DEPOSIT MELTING ROOM.
When the gold has been weighed in the weighing room it
is locked up in iron boxes, provided with two different locks,
and is then carried to the melting room. In this room there
are several furnaces, and the first process of melting takes
place there. Previously to the gold bullion being charged
into the pots, the furnaces are lighted by the workmen at an
early hour, and the pots gradually annealed, as they are liable
to crack by too sudden an application of heat. This is done
in the following manner: black lead or plumbago pots, are
placed in a series of furnaces, about two feet deep from the
grate. On the grate, formed of movable iron bars, supported
by cross-bars let into the brick-work, a stand is placed for
the pot, this stand is filled with common coke-dust, to pre-
vent adhersion of the pot to the stand. To give depth to the
pot in the furnace, and allow of as much fuel as the furnace
will hold, a muffle formed of baked clay is placed on the pot
in such a manner that the rim of each will fit exactlv, and
16
the mouth of the muffle is covered with a flat cover made
of black lead.
The object of this contrivance is to give an additional depth
of four inches of fuel above the pot, by which a more equal
degree of heat is given to the melted gold, an object of great
importance, otherwise there might not be a uniform mixture
of the alloy and fine gold.
As soon as this deposit is thoroughly melted in a mass, it
is east into a bar ; this bar is numbered, and a slip cut from
it and sent to the assay department, there, by assaying that
slip, the amount of pure metal contained in the entire deposit
is ascertained.
BOOMS OF THE MELTER AND REFINER.
In the northwest corner of the building, not far from th°
Deposit Melting Room are located the rooms of the Meltei'
and Refiner, the refining and standarding of the metals, and
r
CASTING INGOTS.
17
the casting them into ingots or small bars from which the
coins are to be made, are performed.
INGOTS.
The bars or ingots thus produced are about twelve inches
long, half an inch thick, and from one to two and a half in-
ches in width, according to the size of the coin for which they
are intended. The weighing of the neccessary quantities of al-
loy takes place, in the Melter and Refiner's office.
ROLLING MACHINE.
18
THE ROLLING ROOM.
Passing through the corridor leading to the rolling room,
our attention is attracted to an engine of about 160 horse
power, which supplies the motive power to the rolling ma-
chines. By the aid of these massive machines of which there
are several in a row, with their black heavy stanchions and
polished steel rollers, the rolling of the gold and silver plan-
chets is performed.
Here the attendant measures two ingots, and shows to the
visitors that they are exactly of the same length; hands the
same back to the workman in charge of the rolling mill, who
ROLLING MACHINE AS SEEN BY THE PUBLIC.
puts one of them between the rolls, chisel end first, and it is
drawn slowly through. He measures it with the other ingot,
and we see it has grown about an inch longer and correspon-
ingly thinner. This is the " breaking down." But it is not
thin enough, it must be rolled ten times if gold, or eight if
silver, to reduce it sufficiently, occasionally annealing it to
prevent its breaking. These rollers can be brought very
close together and the pressure applied so intense that half a
day's rolling heats not only the strips and rollers, but even
L
19
e huge stanchions, weighing several tons, so hot that you
can hardly hold your hand on them. Every rolling mill can
be altered to roll any degree of thinness, but usually the in-
got passes through several mills, each reducing it slightly.
When the rolling is completed the strip is about six feet long
or six times as long as the original ingot-
It is impossible to roll perfectly true. Now and then there
will be a lump of very hard gold, which will not be quite so
much compressed as the rest. If the coin were cut from this
place, it would be heavier and more valuable than one cut
from a thinner portion of the strip. It is, therefore necessary
I" draw " the strips, they first being softened by annealing.
THE DRAW BENCHES.
Our attention is next drawn to a long table, with the odd-
)king, endless chain, running from right to left, making a
deafening noise, this is the Draw Bench.
DRAW BENCH.
In fact there are two benches, one on each side of the lorg
table. At the right end an iron box is secured to the table.
In this are fastened two perpendicular steel cylinders, firmly
supported in a bed, to prevent their bending or turning
around, and presenting but a small portion of their circum-
ference to the strip. These are exactly at the same distance
apart that the thickness of the strip must be. One end of the
20
strip is pinched somewhat thinner than the rest, to allow it
to slip easily between the cylinders. When through, this end |
is put between the jams of a powerful pair of tongs, or pin-j
cers, fastened to a little carriage running on the table. When
the end is between the pincers, the operator touches a foot
pedal which closes the pincers firmly on the strip, and pressing
another pedal, forces down a strong hook at the left end of
the carriage, which catches in a link of the moving chain.
This draws the carriage away from the cylinders, and the^
strip being connected with it has to follow. It is drawn]
through the cylinders, which, operating on the thick part of
CUTTING PRESS AS SEEN BY THE PUBLIC.
the strip with greater power than upon the thin, reduces (he
whole to an equal thickness. When the whole is through,
the strain on the tongs instantly ceases, which allows a spring
to open them and drop the strip. At the same time another
spring raises the hook and disengages the carriage from the
chain. A cord fastened to the carriage runs back over the
wheel near the head of the table, and then up to a couple of
combination weights on the wall beyond, which draw the car-
riage back to the starting place, ready for another strip.
THE CUTTING PRESSES.
In the rear of the rolling mills and drawing benches are
ranged in a row the " Cutting Presses."
21
CUTTING PKESS.
This engraving shows the present cutting press as uerfected by Col. &,
Loudon Snowden, when he was Chief Coiner.
22
There are several of these machines, each one capable of cut-
ting two hundred and twenty-five planchets per minute.
The cutting press consists of a vertical steel punch, which
works in a round hole or matrix, cut in a steel plate. The
action of the punch is obtained by an eccentric wheel. The
operator places one end of the strip under the punch and cuts
a couple of round pieces a little larger than the coins they
are to make, these round pieces are called " planchets." As
the strips are of the uniform thickness, if these two are of ihe
right weight, all cut from that strip will be. They are there-
fore weighed accurately. If right, or a little too heavy, they
are allowed to pass, as the extra weight can be filed off. If
too light, the whole strip has to be remelted. As fast as cut
PERFORATED STRIP.
the planchets fall into a box below and the perforated strips
are folded into convenient lengths to be remelted.
We next visit the northern end of the Coining Room, where
the sorting of these planchets takes place. The planchets are
thrown upon a table with two holes in it, and each woman em-
ployed here, picks out all the imperfect pieces or chips, which
are slipped into one hole, and the perfect ones into the other,
where they fall into different boxes.
THE ADJUSTING ROOM.
In this room each lady operator has on the table be-
fore her a pair of very sensitive assay scales. Seated close
to the table, a leather apron, one end tacked to the table, is
fastened under her arms to catch any gold that may fall. In
short sleeves, to avoid sweeping away the dust, and armed
with a fine flat file, she is at work. She catches a planchet
from a pile by her side and puts it into the scales. If too
heavy, she files it around the edge, and weighs it again. Still
too heavy, files it again, and weighs it. Almost right, just
touches it with the file. Right, and she tosses it into the box,
and picks up another planchet to undergo the same operation.
To adjust a coin so accurately requires great delicacy and
skill, as a too free use of the file would quickley make it too
MILLING MACHINE,
24
light. Yet by long practice, bo accustomed do the lady oj
ators become, that they work with apparent indifterein
scarcely glancing at planchet or scales, but seemingly guide
by their touch.
THE MILLING MACHINES.
At the northern end of the Coining Room are the Mil
ing Machines. These machines are operated by ladie
and are used to turn up the edges of the planchets,
fore they are ready for the coining j)ress. This upturnc
edge is only raised a little higher than the device. It is doi
to prevent the device being worn by rubbing on counters el
and also that the coins may be piled one on another steadilyl
This edge is raised by a very beautiful piece of mechanisml
and in the following manner:
Several planchets are placed in one of the brass vertical
tubes, of which there are several, for different sized coins. Al
the bottom of the tube the lowest planchet is struck by a rfl
volving feeder, which drives it horizontally, between the re|
volving steel wheel on one side, and the fixed segment on the
other. The segment is on the same curve as the wheel, though
somewhat nearer to it at the further end. The planchet il
caught in a narrow groove cut in the wheel and segment, and
the space being somewhat less than the diameter of the plan-
chet the edge is crowded up. The planchet makes four re«j
volutions when it reaches the end of the segment, and being
released from the grooves falls into a box below. The edge]
is perfectly smooth, the fluting or " reeding," as it is termed,
being put on in the process of coining.
THE COINING EOOM.
At last the coining room is reached, occupying the greater
portion of this floor, on the east side of the building. This
undoubtedly is the most interesting department to the visitor
of the mint.
A passage-way is separated by a neat iron fence, but the
visitor can see every thing from the side of the division. In
this room there are several presses, each one capable of coin-
ing from 80 to 120 coins per minute; but the large pressel
are seldom run at a greater speed than SO per minute. The
largest presses are used in making coins cf large denomination.
The small presses are used for base coins and the smaller de-
nomination of the silver pieces. These machines also are gen- '
erally attended by lady operators.
The arch of the coining press is a solid piece of cast iron,
weiffl
25
...ghing several tons, and unites with its beauty great
strength. The table is also of iron, brightly polished and
very heavy. In the interior of the arch is a nearly round
plate of brass, called a triangle. It is fastened to a, lever
above bv two steel bands, termed stirrups, one of which can
be seen to the right of the arch. The stout arm above it is
COINING PRESS AS SEEN BY THE PUBLIC.
also conoected with the triangle by a ball-and-socket joint,
and it is this arm which forces down the triangle. The arm
is connected with the end of the lever above by a joint some-
what like that of the knee. When the crank lifts the farther
%
end of lever it draws in the knee and forces down the arm
until it is perfectly straight. By that time the crank has re
volved and is lowering the lever, which forces out the kn<
again, and raises the arm. As the triangle is fastened to the
arm it has to follow all its movements. Under the triangle
buried in the lower part of the arch, is a steel cup or techni
cally, a " die stake."
DIES.
Into this is fastened the reverse die. The " die stak^ " is
arranged to rise about the eighth of an inch, but when down
it rests firmly on the solid foundation of the arch. Over the
die stake is a steel collar in which is a hole just large enough
to allow a blank planehet to drop upon the die. In the tri-
angle above, the obverse die is fastened, which moves with
the triangle; and when the knee is straightened the die fits
into the collar and presses down upon the reverse die. Just
in front of the triangle will be seen an upright tube made of
brass, and of the size to hold the blank planchets to be coined.
The blank planchets are examined by the operator in attend-
ance, and the perfect ones are placed in this tube. As they
reach the bottom they are seized singly by a pair of steel
feeders, in motion as similar to that of the finger and thumb
as is possible in machinery, and carried over the collar and
dropping upon the die. The knee is straightened, forcing
the obverse die to enter the collar and press both sides of
the blank at once. The sides of the collar are fluted, and
the intense' pressure expands the blank planehet about the
sixteenth of an inch, filling the collar and producing on the
coin the fluted or reeded edge.
After the blank planehet has been dropped upon the die,
the feeders slide back on the little platform extending in front
of the machine, in readiness to receive another. The knee is
now bent, which raises the die about half an inch above the
collar. The die stake is raised at the same time, so as to lift
the newly made coin from the collar, and the feeders coming
nlong with another blank, push the coin over into a sloping
channel, whence it slides into a box underneath.
1
27
A planchet consists of a blank disk cut from a slip of metal
prior to being stamped. These planchets althoj,
carefully prepared slips of metal rolled ou^^ra^
thickness are often of uneven weight and JMM^ior Dh'e coining «4
p**8- • ffUHIVEIlSITl
The above illustrated machine which does the work of sev-
eral young ladies, is of German origin, and is known as the
" Seyss Automatic Weighing Machine," named thus after the
inventor ; it weighs and assorts every planchet or blank disk
with precision.
28
This automatic weighing machine was introduced in this Minn
by Col. A. Loudon Snowden at the time he was Chief Coiner!
This machine has ten scales, and the gold planchets filled
in their respective tubes are forwarded piece by piece to bd
weighed and assorted.
There are three receptacles, one for the planchet which ex J
ceeds its proper weight, and which after having thus been rej
jected is forwarded to be filed off to the required weight. ThJ
second or middle receptacle is destined for the planchet oi
the exact weight and ready to be acted upon by the coining]
press. The third and upper receptacle is for the planchel
which is too light for coinage and hence rejected, and its deM
tination, the melting pot.
At the end of this automatic planchet weighing and assort-]
ing machine is an electrical apparatus which sounds the alarm!
bell in case two planchets instead of one should find their way;
into the box ; when the bell rings the attendant immediately1
remedies this irregularity and the work proceeds. Two of these!
machines have been in operation for several years, and recently]
three others have been added. The latter are arranged for maid
ing four divisions of planchets, which are termed ; " Light,":
" Light Adjusted," " Heavy Adjusted " and " Heavy." These!
machines are located to the left of the visittor, on entering
the Coining Room.
THE COUNTING BOAKDS.
Here are also seen the " Counting Boards," quite curious!
and useful inventions, which are used only for small silver I
and minor coins. Twenty-five dollars of the five cent piecea
can be counted by this ingenious swift working machine, in
less than one minute. These counting boards are a flat sur-J
face of wood, with copper partitions the height and size oil
the coin to be counted, rising from the surface at regular in-
tervals, and running parallel with each other, from top to bot- '
torn. These boards are worked by hand, over a box, and as
the pieces are counted they slide into a drawer prepared to ren
ceive them ; after which the counted coins are put in bags, and
removed to the office of the Coiner, where they are again/
weighed. (See illustration page 29.)
THE ASSAY ROOMS.
Every bar of gold and silver is properly tested prior to being
rolled out into slips. A small piece is taken off each lot by:
the Assayer and conveyed up stairs to the Assay Rooms, ini
the southwest corner of the building. On entering these rooms
the necessary appliances for the performance of this work greet!
29
I eye of the visitor. Here we find the most sensitive scales
osed in glass cases. These glass cases are mostly kept
dd when the Assayer is engaged in his work, for a draft
— "
COUNTING BOARD.
Assaying is a mode of ascertaining what proportion of
gold or silver there is in alloy of those metals. When an
alloy of silver is melted the inferior metals become oxidized,
and can be removed as a kind of scale.
30
utlun
The assay furnace is a small upright stove, having withitti
it a wagon-like earthen vessel, called " muffle," closed at al|j
parts except one end, a few slits in the top and side, small
crucibles, called "cupels," are placed in the muffle, which:
shields them from contact with the fuel in the furnace. The
cupels are small cups, made of bone ash that will not be actejl
upon by fused oxides, while their texture is sufficiently,
porous to let the oxides penetrate.
The process of assay requires that the copper and silver be
both entirely removed from the gold ; and to effect this, two
separate operations are necessary.
The first is for the removal of copper; and this is done by
a method called cupellation which is conducted in an assay
furnace, in a cupel composed of calcined bones. To the other
metals lead is added; this metal possesses the properties of I
oxidizing and vitrifying under the action of heat, of pro-
moting at the same time the oxidation of the copper audi
other base metals, and of drawing with it into the pores ofi
the cupel the whole of these metals, so as to separate entirely
this part of the alloy, and to leave behind the gold and silver
only.
The separation of the silver from the gold is effected by a
process founded on the property prossessed by nitric acid of
dissolving silver, without acting upon gold. But that the
gold may not protect the silver from this action, sufficient
silver must first be added to make it at least two-thirds of the
mass. The process to be described is based upon the rule of
quartation, in which the proportion of silver is three-fourths.
The object of the silver assay is to determine the exact
proportions of fine silver contained in any bullion, plate, or
coin.
The assay does not regard the nature or variety of the
alloying metals, but simply their proportionate weight to that
of the pure silver. II
There are two methods of assaying silver, one known as
the " dry " or " furnace assay " or " cupellation," the other
the " wet " or " humid assay " or the " volumetric process."
The method of " furnace assay " or cupellation, already
described for gold, when applied to silver requires such a
nice regulation of temperature and so many extreme precau-
tions, and is at best so liable to uncertainty of results, that it
is now only used in a subsidiary way, to furnish an approxi-
mate result, or a basis for the closer and more delicate mani-
pulation of the humid assay.
■ - .
The humid assay, with proper care and due attention to
the condition of the liquids, may be regarded as a perfect
process of analysis for silver, both as respects accuracy and
uniformity of results.
The principle of the humid assay is that of determining
the proportion of fine silver in an alloy, by. ascertaining the
exact amount of a known precipitant required to eliminate
the fine silver contained in a solution of a given weight of
Hie alloy, so that the result is obtained without a final weigh-
ing of the precipitated silver.
The necessary amount of the precipitating agent being
found and %he weight of the alloy known, the number of
parts of fine silver in a thousand is deduced by calculation.
For this purpose a solution of common salt, chloride of
sodium, is used.
ENGKAVING EOOMS.
In these rooms the dies are engraved with which all our
national coins are stamped. The Chief Engraver's office of
the U. S. Mint has for many years been filled with honor by
the Messrs. Barber, father and son. Mr. Barber is for the
present engaged on the memorial medal of Lincoln-Garfield,
a piece of workmanship never excelled by any other artist,
and seldom equaled by any engraver in the art of die-
sinking.
The preparation of dies for stamping coins and medals is a
work requiring considerable skill and care, The steel
selected should be of moderately fine grain and uniform tex-
ture, and when polished, should show no spots or patches
under a magnifying glass. Two short lenghts having been
cut from bars of steel and forged into rough dies, are next
made as soft as possible by careful annealing, being put in
an iron pot with animal charcoal, heated to a cherry red and
allowed to cool gradually. After being faced up flatly and
smoothly in a lathe they pass into the hands of the engraver,
who traces upon them their appropriate images, obverse and
reverse, and works these out with steel tools. The new mat-
rices, or maternal dies, when, after repeated impressions on
clay, etc., and alteration, they are found correct, are ready
for hardening — a process simple enough as regards plain stee1.
but here very critical, seeing that a delicate engraving has to
be kept intact. Each matrix is first protected with a mask,
composed of fixed oil thickened with animal charcoal, or of
lampblack and linseed oil. They are then placed face down-
wards in a crucible, and burned in animal charcoal. After
32
being heated a cherry red they are taken out with a pair
i)f tongs, plunged in a large body of water, moved about
rapidly till all noise ceases, and left in the water till quite
cool. If the matrix pipes or sings, there is probably a crack
in it. The hardened die is next polished and tempered, the
former by holding it against a running iron disk, coated
with flour-emery and oil, the latter by putting it in water,
which is gradually raised to the boiling-point, then allow-
ing it to cool slowly, or by placing it on a heated bar of
iron till it acquires a rich straw color. To increase its
strength an iron ring may be shrunk upon it, like a mechani-
cal jacket. The matrix, treated as here described, might
now be used to multiply coins or medals, but it is prefer-
red to use it for first producing punches, or steel impres-
sions in relief. With this view a steel block is procured,
softened by annealing, and turned in the lathe, being made
flat at the bottom and obtusely conical at the top. The
block is put in the bed of a die stamping press, and the
matrix brought down on it with force by means of the cen-
tral screw. Thus a copy is produced in relief on the coni-
cal surface. Further strokes may be required to perfect it,
and the punch is therefore first re-annealed, its surface hav-
ing been hardened by compression, then replaced in the
press; the matrix, detached from the screw, is fitted on to
it, and pressed in contact by decent of a block of steel
attached to the screw. Thus, after repeated blows and fre-
quent annealing, the impression is completed, and after being
retouched by the engraver is hardened and tempered like the
matrix. The matrix is now laid aside, and the punch used
to produce any number of steel dies by an operation sub-
stantially similar to that by which the punch itself was
obtained. These are, of course, fac-similes of the matrix, and
when completed are used for purposes of coinage.
THE COIN CABINET.
The room in the U. S. Mint used for the Coin Cabinet is
on the second floor, is fifty-four feet long by sixteen wide.
The eastern and western sections are of the same proportions,
each with a broad window ; the central section is lighted from
the dome, which is supported by four columns.
Entering the Cabinet, the portraits of the different Direc-
tors attract attention, they are those of David Rittenhouse,
a copy of painting by Charles Wilson Peale, the original is
the property of the American Philosophical Society ; Henry
William De Saussure, painted by Samuel Dubois; Elias
33
mdinot, an excellent copy of a painting by Walds Jewett
)bert Patterson, a copy of a fine original by Rembrandt
*eale ; Samuel Moore, painted from life by Samuel Dubois ;
)bert Haskell Patterson; Dr. George N. Eckert; James
Snowden ; James Pollock ; Henry Richard Linderman ;
id the present Superintendent Hon. A. Louden Snowden,
tinted from life by Mr. Brown.
Among the relics, the first object of interest on entering the
Cabinet, to the left, is the framed copy of the law of Congress
establishing the U. S. Mint, which was approved by President
Washington, on March the Third 1791.
On the opposite wall is a case containing gold plate in strips,
comprising gold alloyed with copper, showing the bright hues
of deep color, and the gold alloyed with silver the mild, pale
tint.
Near the western wTindow and to the right as you enter the
room is the Seguier's assorting machine. In this machine the
planchets are thrown into the hopper at the rear, and, being
arranged by the action of the wheel, slide down balances.
By ingenious machinery beneath, they are carried one by one
to the nearest platforms to be weighed. If too heavy, the
tall needle of the beam leans to the right, and lifts a pallet-
wire, which connects with an apparatus under the table, by
which the planchet is pushed off and slides into one of the
brass pans in front. If the planchet be light, the needle is
drawn over to the left, and touches the other pallet, which
makes a passage to another brass pan. If the piece be of true
weight the needle stands upright between the pallets and the
piece finds its way into the third brass pan.
In the eastern section in a large glass case are the " Stan-
dard Test Scales" of the United States Mint, which are • used
to test the weights sent to all the branch-mints and assay offi-
ces of the United States, and are so sensitive as to discover
the twenty-thousandth part of an ounce. The beam of these
scales is hollow, filled with ceder to guard against the ill-effect
of dampness ; the bearings are perfect edges of knife-blades,
which rest on a surface of agate plate. These scales are
examined once a year by the annual assay committee.
The collection of coins for this Cabinet was commenced in
June, 1838 ; but long before that time Mr. Adam Eckfeldt,
chief coiner, led as well by his own taste as by the expecta-
tion that a conservatory would some day be established, took
especial pains to preserve master-coins of the different annual
issues of the mint, and to retain some of the finest foreign
specimens, as they appeared in deposit for recoinage, and con-
34
sequently have cost the Mint no more than their bullion
value. They are, moreover, the choicest of their kind; and
perhaps there are few cabinets where so large a portion of
the pieces are in so fine preservation, as well the ancient as
the modern coins.
The ancient coins are displayed in several cases, mitred in
pairs, and placed erect against the walls in the wide doorways
and the middle room. The modern coins are variously ar-
ranged; part being in a nearly level case surrounding the
railing of the open enclosure, which lights the hall of entrance
below; and part being in upright cases, disposed along the
walls of the middle and west rooms.
The minerals, metallic ores, relics and curiosities are placed
in the west room. The ancient coins have been admirably
classified by William E. Du Bois, Esq., Assayer of the Mint,
and are as follows: Division I, include the Era of the Roman
Republic of which there are 202 coins; Division II, from
Julius Caeser to Trojan inclusive, 181 coins; Division III,
Hadrian to Elagabalus, 149 coins, Division IV, Severus
Alexander to Claudius Gothicus, 153 coins; Division V,
Aurelian to the End of the Western Empire, 169 coins ; Divi-
sion VI, the Byzantine Empire, 113 coins.
Among the ancient Greek coins we have to record 158 coins
of the Greek Republics and 174 coins of the Greek Monarchies.
The modern coins form a very valuable collection, in which
the " Colonials " are well represented.
The Cabinet also includes several coins of African coinage,
those of the Sierra Leone Company and Liberia.
Of America, Central, North and South, the coins of Bolivia
Brazil, Chili, Ecuador, La Plata, Mexico, New Grenada,
Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela form the principal collection.
The " Cob money of Mexico consists both of gold and sil-
ver, and is an unsightly coinage, of so rude a character as to
scarcely deserve the name of coin. The larger portion of this
coinage was issued about 1740 and continued up to 1770.
They were struck with a hammer, and are of any form ex-
cept that of the true circle. Of Australian coinage four coins
of gold represent that country; they are quite curiosities on
account of their peculiar raised and grained edge, with sunken
legends, and raised figures in the field.
Of the Austrian Empire, including the coinage of Hungary,
several very exquisite specimens exist in Division VII of the
Cabinet.
Belgium proper, forms part of Division VIII, jointly with
the coinage of the Netherlands ; in this collection is found the
I
35
famous " Lion <P argent" the Silver Lion coin, struck in 1790,
bearing upon the reverse the eleven arms of the different Bel-
gian provinces, arranged in a circle around a sun.
Denmark, Holstein, Sweden and Norway form Division
XIII, and include some 150 coins of gold, silver and copper.
Among the Danish coins is the gold ducat of Christian IV,
of 1645, known as the " Justus Judex " coin. It bears upon
the obverse the image of King Christian IV, crowned and
attired in armor, a scepter in his right, and the imperial globe
in his left ; upon the reverse the inscription " Justus Judex "
in Hebrew characters. In the collection of the Holstein coins
is a thaler of Peter, grand-duke of Russia, with the arms of
Norway, Russia, Oldenburg, Holstein, etc. Among the Swed-
ish coins of Christian IX, 1610, and Gustavus Adolphus,
1617, we find silver coin containing in Hebrew characters the
word Jehovah.
The coins of France form one of the choicest collections in
the Cabinet. A handsome Denier or penny of Charlemagne,
767 to 814, A. D., well preserved being over 1000 years old,
is among the many coins. A silver medalet of the unfortu-
nate Maria Antoinette, Queen of Louis XVI, having upon
the obverse the Queen's bust, an excellent portrait, is also
among these coins. The French coins of the different re-
publics, also those of Napoleon the first, are varied and fully
^present those momentous times.
The coins of the German Empire, prior to 1806, the Ger-
man States and the German Empire of to-day are very nu-
merous. Those especially of the German States from 1806 to
1871, are mostly of Prussia, Saxony, Bavaria, Hanover,
AVurtemberg, Baden, etc., etc. Among the older coins of the
17th and 18th century are several very fine gold Medallic
Ducats of great beauty and value, prominent among which
the Martin Luther Centennial Ducat of 1617 ; it was coined
by John George I, Duke of Saxony. Another Ducat, re-
presents the gold money of the Silver City. This is one of
the most remarkable pieces in the collection, as it bears
neither date, name, nor other mark, from which its author-
ship can be deduced, the obverse contains a prayer to " Christ
to save the city," which, on the reverse is styled the " Silver City."
Still another gold medallic ducat bears the heads of Martin
Luther and Philip Melanchton. This coin is generally very
much admired by visitors for its beauty and remarkable
portraiture.
The collection of the British coins includes a coin made
after the "States" of Greece, having upon the obverse the
36
head of Minerva, with the famous Greek helmet. Also two
small gold coins, about 2,000 years old, they bear no inscrip-
tion. The first has on one side a representation of the mn,
with three dots, or pellets, beneath. The second a full length
figure of a man. They are somewhat after the Greek style of
coins, concave at one side. Also a silver Skeattae of Ethel-
bert I, King of Kent, 560—616 A. D. Several silver pen-
nies of Burgred, last King of Mercia : Ethelbert I, fourth
King of England A. D. 858 to 871, Edred and Edgar, 946
—975 A. D.
Next in interest are two silver pennies of William, the Con-
queror.
Among the famous English gold coins is a " Noble" of
Homy VI, an " Angel " of Henry VII, a " Ryal or Royal "
of Elizabeth, a twenty shilling piece of James I, a very fine
five guinea piece of Charles II ; several guineas of James II,
William and Mary, Queen Anne, George I , also a quarter
guinea of the same monarch, the first issue of this denomi-
nation in 1718 ; guineas and double guinea of George II and
George III ; also a " Spade guinea " of George III, so called
from the shape of the shield on the reverse, which is very
simple, and pointed like a spade, dated 1787 ; of George IV
several half sovereigns, also two quarter sovereigns and seve-
ral sovereigns ; of this monarch there is also a fine five sove-
reign pattern ; of William IV. sovereigns, half and quarter
sovereigns; of Queen Victoria, several gold coins, among
which the famous five pound piece, by Wyon, with the inim-
itable figure of Una and the Lion, which, though picturesque,
is somewhat far-fetched, and little appropriate."
Among the British silver coins most prominent is the sil-
ver pound sterling, famous as the " siege piece " of Charles I,
often made on the field of battle with hammer and anvil out
of the family plate brought to the closely pressed, unhappy
king by his followers. This siege piece is the largest silver
coin known.
Several varieties of " Maundy money," also " Gun money "
of James II ; Scotch pennies, among which a very rare coin,
the penny of Robert II of Scotland, said to be the only spe-
cimen in existence of that monarch's reign.
In this collection there are a number of English counter
feits, prized because they are so well executed. Some of these
give evidence of having been extensively circulated.
A handsome lot of English silver tokens, issued in Eng-
land, Scotland and Ireland, make the British coin collection
complete. These silver tokens were issued during the long
37
spension of specie payments occasioned by the wars with
ipoleon. They were of reduced weight, to keep within the
emium and to prevent hoarding.
THE MEDAL CABINET OF THE MINT.
In 18-39 the Hon. James Ross Snowden, Director of the
[int, conceived the happy idea of collecting and placing in
the Cabinet of the National Mint, specimens of all the
medallic memorials of Washington. At that time he did net
know of the existence of more than twenty of such memo-
rials ; the Cabinet of the Mint contained only four or five
specimens. During an investigation, subsequently made, it
was ascertained that there were at least sixty different medals,
etc., of the above character.
The collection thus made was, therefore, arranged in an
appropriate case and formally inaugurated as a part of the
Cabinet of the Mint on the 22d day of February, 1860, on
which occasion a small medal known as the Washington,
Cabinet Memorial Medal was struck.
This medal has upon the oh verse the bust of Washington,
facing to the right; legend, all around :" *George Wash-
ington *kBoRN Feb. 22d 1732 * Died December 1-1 1799."
Reverse : A representation of the Washington Medallic Col-
lection, in the Cabinet of the Mint of the United States, sur-
mounted by a bust of Washington. Legend : " * Washing-
ton Cabinet of Medals U. S. Mint * " L'Exergue : " Inau-
gurated Feb. 22d 1860." Size 38.
The Mint also contains a monument to George Washing-
ton, composed of one hundred and fifty memorial medals.
Among this collection we notice the medal which was struck
at Taris in 1778, by direction of Voltaire. It bears upon the
obverse the head of Washington, facing to the right. Legend :
" G. Washington Er. General of the Contin'l Army in
America." Reverse: Martial emblems, surrounded by
diverging rays. Legend : " Washin Reunit Par Un Rare
Assemblage — Les Talens Du Guerrier & Les Vertus
DuSage." Sixe24.
Only on two medals among the many we find Washington
represented as a warrior, and this was the first order of the
kind issued by the Continental Congress. The original medal
was of gold, and intended to commemorate the " Evacuation
of Boston, March 17th, 1776." The obverse bears the
undraped bust of Washington, facing to the right. Legend :
38
I
"Georgio Washington Supremo Dvci Exercitrvm Adsertori
Libertatis." Exergue : " Comitia Americana." Reverse : In the
background appears the City of Boston, which the British
troops are evacuating, and retiring to their shipping. To
the right are the American intrenchments with the troops
drawn up in front ready to march into the city. On an
eminence in the left foreground is Washington and his staff
mounted. Washington is pointing out the retiring enemy . on
the ground are cannon and cannon balls. Legend : " Hostibus
Primo Fugatis." Exergue: "Bostonium Recuperatum XVII
Marti MDCCLXXVL" Size 42.
The largest Washington Medal was struck in iron and is
just four and a fourth inches in diameter. It bears upon the
obverse the bust of Washington, three quarter face, in citi-
zen's dress. This medal has no legend and no reverse. It is
generally admitted that this medal represents an excellent
likeness of General Washington.
Another medal in this valuable collection, which has an
excellent likeness of Washington is known as the large
Mount Vernon medal. Upon the obverse, the bust of Wash-
ington, facing to the right. Legend: "George Washing-
t )ii." The whole is surrounded by an exquisite workman-
ship representing a circle composed of a number of hoops
united with bands, emblematic of union and strength.
Reverse : A representaton of Washington's residence at
Mount Vernon, beneath which is inscribed, " Mount Vernon
in 1796," and the name "J. Crutchett Mt. Vernon Factory."
The whole inclosed by circle of hoops corresponding with
the obverse. Size 50.
Of this Mount Vernon medal there is also one which has
Upon the reverse a representation of the Tomb of Washington
at Mount Vernon.
In this Washington Medal Collection is the well-known
" Silver Penny " of Washington. It bears upon the obverse
the bust of Washington, in uniform, facing t<K the left.
Beneath is the date 1792. Legend: " G. Washington Pk i:-
sident I." Reverse: An eagle, with raised wings; the
U. S. shield upon its breast, an olive branch in the right and
six arrows in the left talon. Around the edge are fifteen
stars. Legend: "United States of America." Edge
plain. Size 22.
Another and unique peice in this valuable collection is the
one presented by H. Drumheller, of Schuylkill county, Pa.
It bears upon the obverse the bust of Washington, surrounded
by rays of the sun running outside ; beneath is the date 1796.
40
41
raised wings, with fifteen stars above ; in the left talon is an
olive branch, and in the right six arrows; the legend:
" United States of America," surrounded by rays of the
tn running inside. Size 34.
In addition to the forgoing, the Washington Cabinet in
tne U. S. Mint of Philadelphia contains many other memo-
rials of "Washington, Several medallions, badges, pens,
breastpins and buttons, some of which have been used as
badges, and worn by societies. Of the prominent badges
there is a bust of Washington in brass ; in this badge the
outside metal has been cut away leaving the simple bust.
There is also a gentlemen's breastpin bearing a small bust of
Washington at three quarter face to the right ; it is printed
on paper and placed in small circular rim or cap, and covered
with glass ; beneath the cap containing the bust is attached a
square and compass.
There is also a bust of Washington enveloped in a Roman
mantle, and facing to the right, cut in lava from Mount
Vesuvius.
A seal of the " Washington Lodge of Odd Fellows," Nor-
folk, Va., has also the bust of Washington.
There are also four Washington buttons in this Cabinet
which were worn at the period of his presidency.
The U. S. Mint, then located on North Seventh street, in
this city, was almost daily visited by Washington, and the
following incident is well worthy to be rocorded in this work.
General Washington, whose habit it was to see the heads
of departments every week at his table, upon one of these
occasions expressed to the Director of the Mint, the Hon.
Henry William De Saussure,* his satisfaction at the activity
which had been introduced into the silver coinage, and added,
" I have long desired to see gold coined at the Mint, but your
predecessor found insuperable difficulties. I should be much
gratified if it could be accomplished before I leave office."
" I will try," was the reply ; and Mr. De Saussure went to the
Mint, summoned the private officers, ascertained the wants
and difficulties of each department, and by great diligence,
speedily removed all obstacles. In six weeks he carried to
Washington a handful of gold "Eagles," and received his
thanks and approbation.
* Mr. De Saussure was the Director of the Mint from the 11th clay of
July to the 28th of October, 1795; this incident, therefore, confirms
the statement that the first coinage of gold at the U. 8. Mint must have
taken place in 1795.
42
43 IfflUVER
In the TJ. S. Mint Cabinet Is also four?
varied collection of National Medals, anion
dential Medals form a complete set. The armylT
the U. S. is also well represented by its faithful officers and
heroes. The miscellaneous medal collection is varied but of
less national importance, although the medals of foreign gov-
ernments are of the highest class of art.
The " Washington before Boston" Medal is the only Wash-
ington Memorial struck by order of the U. S. Congress, and
was struck in gold.
Of the Army of the Revolution, the following prominent
medals must be recorded : Major-General Gates, Major Gen-
eral Wayne, Captain Stewart, Colonel Fleury, Major Henry
Lee, General Morgan, Colonel John Egar Howard, Colonel
William Washington, and Major-General Greene.
In this class of the Army of Revolution Medals are three
silver medals which were awarded by vote of Congress of No-
vember 3d, 1780, to John Paulding, David Williams and
Isaac Van Wert, who captured Major John Andre in the
character of a spy, and notwithstanding the large bribes oifered
them for his release, secured and conveyed him to the com-
manding officer of the district, whereby the dangerous and
traitorous conspiracy of Benedict Arnold was brought to light.
These medals were presented to the three heroes in the pres-
ence of the whole American army, in 1781, by General Wash-
ington, together with a copy of the resolution of Congress,
awarding them each a pension of $200 annually during life,
and a vote of thanks for their patriotic conduct.
These medals, of oblong shape, have upon the obverse, as
device, a raised shield surrounded by branches of laurel and
palm, and the legend: "Fidelity." Reverse: A wreath
formed of palm branches inclosing a blank for the insertion
of the name of the recipient of the medal. Legend : " Vixcit
Amor PatrIAO." (Love of patriotism conquers?)
To Commerate the Triumph of American Independence.
— Device : The bust of the Goddess of Liberty. The liberty
pole surmounted by the cap, rest against the right shoulder,
and the hair is blown back, as if by the wind against which
the Goddess appears to be running to announce to the world
the tidings of her victory. Legend: Libertas Americana
4 Juil. 1776. Reverse : Pallas holding in her left hand a
shield with three fleur de lis — the arms of France and oppos-
ing it to a leopard — England — which is springing towards it.
Her right hand is drawn back and holding a barbed javelin
44
45
as if in the act of plunging it into the leopard. Under the
shield is an infant in a stooping posture, strangling a serpent
with each hand, and apparently contemplating the same act
upon another at its feet. Legend : " Non Sine Diis Animo-
sus Infans." Exergue: " Oct. 17, 1777, Oct. 19, 1781."
According to ancient mythology, Hercules, under the pro-
tection of Pallas is said to have strangled two serpents which
had assaulted him in his cradle, Infant America, like Her-
cules in his cradle had destroyed two armies — Burgoyne's,
which surrendered at Saratoga, Oct. 17, 1777, and Cornwallis,
at Yorktown, Oct. 19, 1781. — From Mease's Description of
American Medals.
The Wars of 1812 — 1815 have also been well remembered
by medals struck in honor of its heroes. Among the promi-
nent we find : Colonel George Croghan, Major-General Harri-
son, Governor Isaac Shelby, Major-General Scott, Major-
General Gaines, Major-General Porter, Major-General
Brown, Brigadier-General Miller, Brigadier-General Ripley,
Major-General Macomb, and Major-General Jackson. This
last medal of gold was awarded to General Jackson, by reso-
lution of Congress of February 27, 1815, for his brave and
successful repulse of the English troops, under General Sir
Edward Packenham, in their attack upon New Orleans, Jan-
uary 8, 1815. This medal has upon the obverse the bust of
General Jackson and the legend : " Major General Andrew
Jackson." The reverse bears as device : Victory seated, sus-
taining with her left hand, in which she holds a laurel wreath,
and from which a palm branch has fallen, a tablet upon
which she is about to note the victory of the 8th of January,
46
1815, heading the record with the name " Orleans." She is
interrupted by Peace, bearing an olive branch in her right
hand, and touching the tablet with her left, and is directing
her to register the termination of the war between the United
States and Great Britain, and the consummation of the peace
consequent thereupon. Legend : " Resolution of Congress
February 27, 1815." Exergue: " Battle of New Orleans,
January 8, 1815." This medal is 2i inches in diameter.
The war with Mexico is also well recorded by several
medals, mostly of gold, of which three in honor of Major-
General Taylor and one very large one in honor of Major-
General Winfield Scott.
Our little difficulties with France are commemorated by a
gold medal in honor of Captain Thomas Truxtun. The oc-
casion for this medal was the action of the 2d of February,
1800, between the American frigate "Constellation," com-
manded by Captain Truxtun, and the French frigate "La
Vengeance." The French were defeated. A gold medal was
struck by order of Congress of March 24, 1800, to Captain
Truxtun for his gallant behavior. The obverse of this medal
bears the head of Captain Truxtun, but no legend. The re-
verse has a device, a representation of the engagement be-
tween the French frigate La Vengeance and the American
frigate Constellation ; both vessel are represented as much
shattered and their rigging much cut. No legend. Exergue :
"By Vote of Congress to Thomas Truxtun 24 march,
1800."
The war with Tripoli is represented in this Cabinet collec-
tion by a gold medal to the gallant Commodore Preble for
his bombardment of Tripoli on the 3d of August, 1804.
Among the many other medals in this Cabinet collection
we must mention the " Wrecker's " and the " Shipwreck "
medals, both of which are still struck occasionally. The
Wrecker's medal has upon the obverse a mast, to which a man
is clinging, floating in the sen ; a ship is seen in the distance,
the mast bears the letters " U. S." The reverse : A branch
of oak and laurel crossed. The American Eagle and thirty-
one stars. The centre of the space between the branches is
left blank to receive the gallant recipient's name.
The shipwreck medal has as device upon the obverse a
representation of a storm at sea ; a lighthouse, and a sinking
ship in the distance. A wrecker has just rescued and reached
the shore with a person who has been shipwrecked. Above
is a scroll to receive the recipient's name. Reverse : An eagle
with raised wings, bearing the U. S. shield upon its breast, an
47
olive branch in his right, and a bunch of arrows in his left
talon. Above the eagle's head is a scroll, bearing the words:
" E Pluribus Unum," and in circle around the edge " United
States of America."
These medals are struck for presentation to officers of ves-
sels of foreign nations, as an acknowledgement of their services
in saving the lives and property of shipwrecked Americans.
The size of this medal is 2? inches in diameter.
The Presidential Medals are series complete in themselves.
# The Washington medals as President of the U. S. are nu-
merous, all bear his well-known effigy and appropriate inscrip-
tions. Of President John Adams, unfortunately, there is only
an unfinished medal. That die was never hardened, nor was
there any reverse engraved for it either. Only a few copies
were taken in soft metal.
Of Thomas Jefferson there are three -medals; also three
medals of each of the following presidents : James Madison,
James Monroe, John Quincy Adams, Andrew Jackson, Mar-
tin Van Buren, John Tyler, James K. Polk and Zachary
Taylor.
One medal of Millard Fillmore, Franklin Pierce and James
Buchanan.
Of our martyr President Abraham Lincoln they are sev-
eral very handsome medals. In these series we have espe-
cially to mention the grand " Emancipation Proclamation
medal."
Andrew Johnson, U. S. Grant and Rutherford B. Hayes
each have their appropriate medals and a place in that cabinet.
Before we can close the chapter on American Medals in
the U. S. Cabinet Collection, we must call the attention of the
visitors to the U. S. Mint, to the " Libertas Americana"
medal, of which we reproduce an exact copy. (See page 45).
SUPERINTENDENT'S OFFICE.
On leaving the Coin Cabinet and prior to descending the
marble steps, to the right is the office of the Superintendent
of the Mint.
The present incumbent of this responsible office is the Hon.
Archibald Loudon Snowden.
48
HON. ARCHIBALD LOUDON SNOWDEN,
who has been connected with the Mint service for nearly a
quarter of a century and is one of the representative men of
our City and State.
He was born in Cumberland County, Pa., and descends from
one of the oldest families in this State. His great ancestor
in America, William Fairfax Snowden, owned large tracts of
land in what was subsequently known as the "Old City pro-
per," as early as 1669. His son John Snowden was born in
Philadelphia, August 1685, and was for many years one of
the most prominent merchants of the city, as were also his
son and grandson. The grandfather of Col. Snowden, the
Rev. Nathaniel Randolph Snowden, was born in Philadelphia
in 1770, and his father, Dr. Isaac Wayne Snowden, in 1790.
Dr. Snowden graduated at an early age in Medicine and
entered the military service under General Jackson as sur-
geon. He was with him at the battle of New Orleans and in
the Seminole War. At the close of the Florida campaign —
in which he was severely wounded — Dr. Snowden resigned
from the army and settled in the rich valley of the Cumber-
land, nine miles below Carlisle, Pa., where he practised his
profession with great success until his death in 1850. Shortly
after removing to Cumberland County he married the daugh-
ter of Archibald Loudon, Esq., one of the largest land owners
in that portion of this State ; and from this union the subj
of our present sketch was born.
At a very early age, Col. Snowden was sent to an acade:
and subsequently entered Jefferson, now Washington and
Jefferson College, in Washington, Pa. Here he received a
thorough education, and was particularly distinguished during
his collegiate course as the most brilliant and effective orator
in the College. He was twice selected by the Literary Society,
of which he was a member, as class orator. On the completion
of his collegiate course he began the study of law and shortly
after, on May 7th 1857, accepted the position of Register ten-
dered him by his uncle the late Hon. James Ross Snowden,
1
49
lien Director of the U. S. Mint. Here his active mind, not
satisfied with the simple discharge of the duties of his new
position, sought constant employment both in and out of the
Vlint. Out of the Mint he continued the study of law, and
jultivated literature ; and was for several years President of
;he principal Literary Society of the city. In the Mint he
voluntarily assumed and discharged duties which by right,
Delonged to three other gentlemen, who were performing work
in the Sub-Treasury, then located in the Mint building, and
which was overcrowded with business. All the duties de-.
solving upon these different and responsible positions he faith-
fully discharged in addition to his duties as Register. In this
indefatigable manner he continued to enlarge his sphere of
usefulness, rendering the most valuable and acceptable services,
and commanding at all times the confidence and esteem of
his superior officers.
In 1866, a vacancy having occured in the office of Chief
Coiner of the Mint, he was appointed by the President
and unanimously confirmed by the Senate. For this place
he received also the unanimous endorsement of all the
officers of the Mint and of every Bank and Banker of this
City. He entered upon the duties of this office October 1st
1866.
As Chief Coiner of the Mint, he was enabled to put into
practical use the valuable information which he had been
diligently acquiring for many years, and also had an op-
portunity for the exercise of his remarkable power of thor-
ough organization, for which he is so justly distinguished.
The coining department soon felt the impulse of his active and
earnest spirit, and the most gratifying results followed. His
successor in this important post freely admits that the thorough
discipline, and the ingenious and rigid checks he introduced,
are still the leading features of that department.
Within a brief period after entering this department, he
completely revolutionized and reorganized it. Abuses of many
years standing were corrected and reforms and economies in-
troduced. He suggested and invented new and improved
machinery, introduced new appliances, notably in connection
with the coining and cutting presses and milling machines.
He introduced from Vienna, Austria, the Seys Automatic
Assorting Machine, which has worked a complete revolution
in the separation of the planchets before coinage. He also
had the Hill Reducing Machine imported from London, with
its marvelous capabilities in the production of coinage and
50
medal dies. In fact he introduced all the new appliances
in coinage from the different countries and applied original
ideas and inventions, until the department was brought to the
highest standard of efficiency. Whilst thus prosecuting with
great ardor and enthusiasm the delicate and important work
entrusted to his care, he was suddenly and unexpectedly callecE
upon to lay aside his agreeable and congenial duties and ac-
cept, at the request of President Grant, the Postmastership of
Philadelphia, to which he had been nominated and unanimous- 1
ly confirmed by the Senate.
He assumed the new and untried duties with much reJ
luctance, but soon manifested as Post Master the same capa-
city for thorough discipline and organization, which had dis-
tinguished him in the Mint. In his brief administration of(
the postal service of the city he gained credit for himself and
rendered a most acceptable service to the public.
He introduced into the administration of the Post Office j
the same rules for its government that he had always observed
in the Mint. His rule as to appointments and removals is
simple, but very effective, namely : " All employees who do
their duty will be retained, those who do not will be removed."
This rule was universal in its application, and no outside
influence was permited to interfere with its operation. The
humblest employee, without a friend, was as secure in his
place, provided he did his duty, as if he had all the political
influence of the State at his command.
Intoxication and tipling among the employees was stopped ;
courteous attention to duty became the rule, and the public
received the best service possible, because it was intelligently
and cheerfully given.
The general sentiment of the public was that Col. Snowdenli
stay in the Post Office would be brief, as his long servi<
the Mint demanded his return in that department.
This feeling was more keenly felt in the Treasury T>e\
ment at Washington than elsewhere, and it was therefore a
matter of no surprise when President Hayes in December,
1878, voluntarily tendered to him the position of Director
of all the Mints, made vacant by the expiration of the com-
mission of Dr. Linderman. After the death of Dr. Linder-
man, the President again sent for him and urged his accept-
ance of the place, which he was believed to have declined
previous to Dr. Linderman's death from motives of delicacy
having long been the friend of the late Director.
This tempting and very complimentary offer he again de-
ice ir
5part
51 .
clined, giving as his reason that its acceptance would necessi-
tate his removal from Philadelphia to Washington. It was
undoubtedly a severe trial, as the President coud have offered
him no place so entirely in harmony with his tasts and ambi-
tion.
Attachment for Philadelphia was stronger than his desire
to be at the head of a service which he had entered as a
youth nearly a quarter of a century before.
In the following February the President again made a vol-
untary tender of office, this time it was the Direct* rship of
i the Philadelphia Mint, and as its acceptance rest- red him
! once more to a service agreeable in every particular, and per-
mitted him to remain among his friends in Philadelphia, he
promptly accepted, was agatn unanimously cofirmed by the
Senate, and assumed control of the Mint on the first of March,
1879.
His appointment to this honorable and responsible position
was universally recognized as placing " the right man in the
right place," and received the unqualified approval of the
press and public at large, without distinction of party.
Among those who are familiar with Mint affairs Col. Snow-
den is acknowledge to be, perhaps, the best informed man in
our country in all that relates to the history of coinage in gen-
eral and to the coinage of the United States in particular. He
is thoroughly familiar with the establishment of our Mint sys-
tem, with its gradual development and steady improvement ;
knows all about its written and unwritten history, and is
thoroughly master of the theory and practical operations o
coinage.
Outside of his official life, he has always taken a deep
interest and most active part in the general current of events.
On the outbreak of the Rebellion he promptly offered his
services, and under authority from the Governor assisted in
enlisting and organizing a regiment which he offered to the
State. Declining the Colonelcy in favor of one who had much
experience and long service abroad ; he was elected and com-
missioned Lieutenant-Colonel. The most solemn promises to
muster the Regiment into the service were overlooked or disre-
garded, until from the long delay and the expense of maintain-
ing the command intact, four of the companies tendered their
| erv ices to New York, and were incorporated into the Excelsior
Brigade commanded by General Sickles. The other six compa-
nies were ultimately sent into camp Washington at Easton,
Pa., but by an ingenious system of gerrymandering were so
52
divided among the other companies from different parts of
the State, that, although voting for their old field officers, their
voters in each Regiment to which they were assigned was not .
a majority. Thus after months of labor and expense in en-
listing, subsisting and clothing the men, the field officers were
by a contemptible trick deprived of the places to which they
were justly entitled.
On his return from Camp Washington, he was invited and
consented to resume his old place in the Mint. The disappoint-
ment he experienced in his military aspirations cannot but be
considered as a fortunate circumstance, in view of the
valuable and acceptable service he has since rendered to
the government and people in the important department
with which he has been so long identified. For many
years he was an active member of the First City Troop
and participated with it in the valuable service it rendered
during the late war, and ultimately became its Captain. For
many years he has taken an intelligent and active interest in
Railroad and Insurance matters. In January, 1873, he was
elected Vice President of the Fire Association, one of the
oldest, largest and soundest insurance companies in the
United States. In 1878 he was elected President of that
Company, and last year was elected President T)f the " United
Fire Underwriters of America," an organization embracing
the officers of more than one hundred and fifty of the leading
American and foreign companies doing business in the United
States, representing a capital and assets of over $118,000,000.
In the midst of the large demands made upon him by busi-
ness and social interests, he finds time to cultivate his fine
literary taste, and within the past two or three years has de-
livered several notable addresses on scientific and other sub-
jects. His address before the literary societies of his old Alma
Mater on the "Achievement of man" was one the most
striking literary productions of the day, as was also his
address on Bi-Metalism before the Banker's Convention at
Saratoga in the summer of 1880.
His cogent arguments, sustained by historical and logical
illustration, produced a decided impression on the public
mind. The address, besides having a wide newspaper circula-
tion, was printed in pamphlet form, and many thousands were
scattered throughout this country and abroad. Subsequent
events have singularly verified the views expressed therein, and
the failure of the Paris Monetary Convention to establish a fixed
ratio between gold and silver goes far toward vindicating*the
53
opinion lie boldly expressed on that occasion, to wit, that
" the attempt to establish and successfully maintain a Dual
Standard in the United States without the concurrent action
of the intelligent commercial nations of the earth must prove
a disastrous failure, and such concurrent action in my judg-
ment, can not at present be had." He advised Congress to re-
trace its steps and place our legislation in harmony with that of
the intelligent nations, who are free to act wisely, rather than
continue a course which the longer it is followed will the more
surely bring great injury upon our country.
His address at Chester upon the " Character of our govern-
ment and the relation it sustains to all classes," and the sub-
sequent one at Media, on " The duties imposed by American
Citizenship," were both strikingly happy and mil of valuable
suggestions and patriotic utterances.
Among the many interesting and able addresses delivered x
on the occasion of the Celebration of the Centennial Anni-
versary of the Incorporation of " The American Philosophi-
cal Society of Philadelphia," which was founded by
Benjamin Franklin, in 1743, and Incorporated March 15th,
1780, the one made by Col. Snowden on " The Need of an
Elevated and Permanent Civil Sendee," was conspicuous
for its lucid and practical presentation of a subject which is
now commandiug the attention of the country, and which Is
receiving the cordial support of some of our ablest and purest
citizens.
His remarks on the occasion of the memorial service at
Milford, Del., to his friend General Torbert, who perished
with the ill-fated steamship Vera Cruz, were touchingly beau-
tiful and appropriate, and stamped him as possessing the
highest qualities of the impassioned orator. His speech in
November, 1880, in the American Academy of Music in Phil-
adelphia, before the manufacturers and laboring men of the
city on the protection of American Industry, under the au-
spices of the Union League, was as brilliant as it w^as convin-
cing. In this address he gave the history of protection in
general, and particularly as effected by legislation in our own
country, tracing it from the first message of Washington to
the last attempt to overthrow the system.
In it he briefly touched upon the life and sendees
of General Garfield, and referred to his long and heroic
struggle with adversity, his steady but sure advancement to
prominence, his high qualities of mind and heart, which the
people were daily learning to appreciate, and predicted for
54
him a grand future among the statesmen of America and ail
abiding place in the hearts of his countrymen.
The eulogy pronounced then, if read now in the light of
recent events, and in view of the heroic bearing and noble
qualities of that illustrious man, as exhibited in his protracted
sufferings, would be endorsed by all America without distinc-
tion of class or party.
As a post-prandial speaker he is brilliant, entertaining and
instructive, and is always welcomed as one who can be relied
upon, with or without notice, to meet the highest expectation
of an occasion.
It will thus be seen that the subject of our sketch is many
sided, and that, whilst giving the closest and most conscien-
tious attention to the duties that officially devolve upon him,
at the same time takes a deep personal interest and active
part in all that affects the general welfare.
Of him it can be truthfully said, that in the important posi-
tions of trust and responsibility which he has held, he has at
all times manifested the highest intelligence, the most untiring
energy and thorough integrity.
He is proverbially polite and obliging to all who have
business intercourse with him, and takes pleasure in imparting
information when in his power to bestow it.
This courtesy united with his other genial qualities has
made him a host of friends in all the walks of life.
In his public and private life he commands the confidence
of the Government he has so long and faithfully served, and
the respect and esteem of the public at large.
55
THE COINING DEPARTMENT.
Cabinet to the first story, on the left is the department of the
Coiner.
The present Coiner of the Mint is Colonel Oliver Christian
Bosbyshell. This gentleman was born in Vicksburg, Mis3.,
January 3, 1839, where his parents had temporarily settled.
His father, Oliver C. Bosbyshell, and his mother Mary A.
Whitney, were born in Philadelphia, and their ancestors, for
many generations back were also Philadelphians. His father
dying a month or two before the subject of this sketch was born,
his mother returned to Pennsylvania, and found a home with
her father Lebbens Whitney, in Schuylkill County. In this
County Col. Bosbyshell was reared and educated. At fifteen
he left the public school, with a fair education, to take the
position of telegraph messenger in the office of the Philadel-
phia and Reading Railroad Telegraph Company, in Pottsville.
For three years he was employed as messenger and operator,
when he went into the law office of Hon. F. W. Hughes, as
clerk, intending to devote his attention to the law. Two years
later he entered the law office of his uncle, Wm. L. Whitney,
Esq., as a regular student, and was thus engaged when the
Rebellion broke out. In response to President Lincoln's
proclamation for volunteers, he entered Washington, D. C, on
the 18th of April 1861, as a private, in the now historic
Washington Artillerists of Pottsville, Pa., one of the first
Companies to reach the Capitol of the Nation. During this
three months service he was tendered a commission in the
regular army, which he declined. Upon the formation of the
48th Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, for three years, in
September, 1861, he was commissioned Second Lieutenant of
Company " G " by Governor Curtin, being the junior office in
the regiment. His service during the war was honorable to
himself, and creditable to his State. By successive promotion,
to 1st. Lieutenant and Captain, he finally became Major of the
Regiment.
"After the close of the war he engaged in business in Potts-
ville, Pa. He has always taken a lively interest in the welfare
of the soldier, is a prominent member of the Grand Army of
the Republic, having commanded the Department of Pennsyl-
vania in 1869,and continually identified since in every move-
ment for the welfare of that organization.. He is also a
member of the National Guard of the State, being Lieutenant-
Colonel of the Second Regiment of Philadelphia.
56
Colonel Bosbyshell's connection with the United State!
Mint began on the 4th of May, 1869, when Ex-Governor Pol-
lock then Director, appointed him Register of Deposits. His
course in the Mint was so satisfactory, that, without solici-
tation, he was made Assistant Coiner by Col. A. L. Snowden,
the then Coiner, on the 1st of October, 1872. Upon Colonel
Snowden s appointment as Postmaster of Philadelphia, Colonel
Bosby shell, was appointed Coiner of the Mint, by President
Grant, on the loth of December. 1876.
In his connection with the Mint, both as Assistant to the
Coiner, and as Coiner, Colonel Bosbyshell has brought to bear
in the discharge of his duties all that rare executive ability,
and scrupulous fidelity to his trust, for which he was distin-
guished in the military service, his uniform kindness and
consideration toward the many employed in his department,
has secured for him the respect and esteem of his subordinates,
while his courteous bearing in his intercourse with the officers
and clerks of other departments, has won for him the respect
and lasting friendship of all. It is through the probity and
courtesy of such officers as Colonel Bosbyshell, that the civil
service of a country must be elevated and popularized, if at all.
w
UNITED STATES COINa
Gold Coins.
Double Eagles. — Authorized to be coined by Act of
March 3, 1849. Weight, 516 grains, and 900 fine.
The first Double Eagle was coined in 1849. It has
upon the obverse the head of Liberty, facing to the left, hair
tied behind, a coronet upon the forehead, on which : " Lib-
erty." Thirteen stars and date. Upon the reverse: An
eagle, with shield upon its breast, an olive branch and three
arrows in its talons; in its beak an elaborate scroll, upon
which, " E Pluribus Unum." Above, a circle of thirteen
stars and a curved line of rays extending from wing to wing.
"United States of America." "Twenty D." This coin-
age, bearing the above obverses and reverses, was con-
tinued up to 1865, inclusive. In 1866 the words " In God
Ave trust was inscribed within the circle of stars on the
reverse ; and continued up to 1876, inclusive. In 1877, and
up to the present time, all the above mentioned impressions
were continued, and, instead of "Twenty D." upon the
reverse, the change was made to read, " Twenty Dollars."
Eagles. — Authorized to be coined bv Act of April 2,
1792. Weight, 270 grains, and 916.66 fine. By Act of June
'28, 1834, the weight was changed to 258 grains, and the fine-
ness to 899.225. Again, by Act of January 18, 1837, the
fineness was changed to 900 fine, and remains the same up to
the present time.
The first coinage of Eagles took place in 1795. Upon the
obverse is the head of "Liberty," wearing a cap, facing to
the right. Fifteen stars. Above is inscribed : " Liberty,"
58
and below the date of the year of issue. Upon the reverse :
An eagle, with extended wings, standing upon a palm
branch, holding in his beak a laurel wreath : " United
States of America," In 1796 no change was made in the
device, only the fifteen stars on the obverse were replaced by
sixteen stars. This was done on the occasion of the admis
sion of Tennessee into the Union as the sixteenth State. This
system of the adornment of our coinage was commenced in
1796, but coctinued for a short time only.
In 1797 there were coined two varieties of Eagles ; the first
coinage was the same as that of the preceding year ; the sec-
ond was similar so far as the obverse is concerned, but the
reverse was changed. The reverse bears an eagle with the
U. S. shield upon its breast, a bundle of arrows in the right
talon, and an olive branch in the left ; in its beak a scroll,
inscribed: "E Pluribus Unum." Around the head are
thirteen stars, above a curved line of clouds extending from
wing to wing. " United States of America."
During 1798, 1799, 1800 and 1801 the same devices of the
second coinage of 1797 were continued.
In 1802 none were issued.
In 1803 and 1804 the same devices of 1801 were con-
tinued.
From 1805 to 1837, inclusive, none were issued.
In 1838 and up to 1865, inclusive, Eagles with the following
devices were coined : Obverse, head of Liberty, feeing to the
59
left, hair tied behind, a coronet upon the forehead, on which
is inscribed : " Liberty." Above thirteen stars. Upon the
reverse : Eagle, with the U. S. shield upon its breast, and an
olive branch and three arrows in the talon. " United States
of America." " Ten D."
In 1866, and up to the present time, the same devices as
those of 1838 — 1865 were continued, with the addition of the
motto : " In God we trust."
Half-Eagles. — Authorized to be coined by Act of April
2, 1792. Weight, 135 grains, and 916.666 fineness. This
weight was changed, by Act of June 28, 1834, to 129 grains,
aud the fineness to 899.225 fine : further, by Act of January
18, 1837, the fineness was changed to 900 fine, and has
remained in that fineness and weight to the present time.
The coinage of 1795, when the first Half-Eagles were
struck, bears upon the obverse : Head of Liberty, wearing a
cap, facing to the right. Fifteen stars. Above "Liberty."
Reverse : Eagle with extended wings, standing upon a palm
branch, holding in his beak a laurel wreath. "United
States of America."
The second coinage of 1795 bears the same obverse as the
first, but the reverse was changed. It bears an eagle with
the U. S. shield upon its breast, a bundle of arrows in the
left, in its beak a scroll upon which is inscribed " E Pluri-
bus Unum." Around the head are thirteen stars ; above is a
curved line of clouds extending from wing to wing. " United
States of America.
In 1796 the same devices as those of the second coinage of
1795 were continued.
The Half-Eagles of the coinage of 1797 include three dis-
tinct types. The first coinage of 1797 is similar in every
particular to the coinage of 1796. The second coinage of
that year is also similar to that of the first of this year, the
only differences are 16 stars on the obverse. The third
coinage was struck from an altered die of the second coinage
of 1795 and has the same devices with the exception of the
date of the year of issue.
60
The coinages of 1798 are two-fold. The first bears upon
the obverse : Head of Liberty wearing a cap, facing to the
right; above "Liberty." Reverse: Eagle with extended
wings, standing upon a palm branch, holding in his beak a
laurel wreath. " United States of America."
The second coinage of 1798 has the same obverse as the
first, but the reverse has an eagle, a U. S. shield upon its
breast , in his talons bundle of arrows and an olive branch, in
its beak a scroll upon which is inscribed " E Pluribus
Unum," around the head are thirteen stars and above is a
curved line of clouds extending from wing to wing, also the
legend " United States of America."
During 1799 and 1800 the Half-Eagles were coined with
similar devices of the second coinage of 1798, with change of
date of the year of issue;
In 1801 no Half-Eagles were issued.
In 1802, 1803, 1804, 1805, and 1806, the coinages respect-
ively bear the following devices i Head of Liberty wearing a
cap, facing to the right; above " Liberty." Reverse: An
eagle with a U. S. shield upon its breast, in his talons bundle
of arrows and an olive branch, in its beak a scroll upon
which is inscribed "E Pluribus Unum'" around the head
are thirteen stars and above is a curved line of clouds ex-
tending from wing to wing and the legend " United States
of America."
In 1807 there were again two distinct coinages. The first
coinage has upon the obverse : Head of Liberty wearing a
cap. facing to the right. Above "Liberty " and below the
date of issue. Reverse: An eagle with a U. S. shield upon
its breast, a bundle of arrows in the right talon and _ an olive
branch in the left, in its beak a scroll upon which is inscribed
" E Pluribus Unum." Around the head are thirteen stars,
above is a curved line of clouds extending from wing to
wing. " United States of America," The second „,coin-
age has upon the obverse : Liberty head facing to the left,
bust draped, wearing a kind of turban with a band in front,
H
inscribed " Liberty." Thirteen stare and date. Reverse :
An eagle with U. S. shield upon its breast, an olive branch
and three arrows in the talons ; above a scroll inscribed " E
Pluribus Unum," " United States of America," and below
the head " 5 D."
During 1808, 1809, 1810, 1811 and 1812 there was but one
coinage each year, preserving the same devices as upon the
Half-Eagle of the second coinage of 1807, the die being onlv
altered to change the date of the year of issue.
During 1813, 1814 and 1815, there was again only one
coinage each year, but the dies were somewhat altered. Upon
the observe they have the head of Liberty, facing to the left,
wearing a kind of turban, a band in front, upon which is
inscribed " Liberty," around are thirteen stars, below the date
of the year of issue. Reverse : An eagle with U. S. shield
upon its breast, an olive branch and three arrows in the tal-
ons; above a scroll inscribed "E Pluribus Unum," and
"United States of America'' as legend; below, as exergue,
« 5 D." During the years 1816 and 1817 no Half-Eagles
were issued.
In 1818, and up to 1828 inclusive, the Half-Eagles bear
upon the obverse : Liberty head, facing to the left, wearing a
turban, upon the band of which is inscribed " Liberty ; "
around are thirteen stars, below the date of each respective
year of issue. Reverse: An eagle with U. S. shield upon its
breast, an olive branch and three arrows in the talons ; above,
a scroll with "E Pluribus Unum," and as legend "United
States of America." As exergue : " Five D."
In 1829 there were two distinct coinages of Half-Eagles ;
they were both similar to the issue of 1818-1828, but the
size of coin of the coinage was reduced one-sixteenth of an
inch in diameter.
In 1830, and up to 1833, inclusive, the Half-Eagle bear
the same devices as those of 1829, but their size corresponds
with the reduction of the second coinage of 1829.
In 1834 there were again two distinct coinages. The first
bears upon the obverse Head of Liberty, facing to the left,
wearing a turban, upon the band of which is inscribed " Lib-
erty ;" around are thirteen stars, below the date of the year
of issue. Reverse: An eagle with U. S. shield upon its
breast, an olive branch and three arrows in the talons, above
a scroll with " E Pluribus Unum ;" legend : " United States
of America ;" exergue : " Five D."
The second coinage has upon the obverse Liberty head,
facing to the left, the hair confined by a band, upon which
62
is inscribed " Liberty." Reverse : An eagle with U. 8.
shield upon its breast, an olive branch and three arrows in
the talons; legend: "United States of America ;" exergue:
" Five D." In this year's second coinage the size of the Half-
Eagle was again reduced by one-sixteenth of an inch.
In 1835, and up to 1838, inclusive, the devices and size
were preserved and conformed with the second coinage of
1834.
In 1839 an entire new die was prepared. It bears upon
the obverse Head of Liberty to the left, hair tied behind by
strings of beads, around the forehead a plain coronet, upon
which is inscribed " Liberty f around are thirteen stars,
and as exergue "1839." Reverse: An eagle with wings dis-
played upwards, on his breast the U. S. shield, in hi3 talons
an olive branch and three arrows ; as legend : " United States
of America," and as exergue "Five D."
In 1840, and up to 1865, no change was made in the devices,
the die being only altered each year to the date of issue.
1866 a change was made. Upon the obverse: Liberty
head, facing to the left, hair tied behind, a coronet upon the
forehead, upon which is inscribed " Liberty ;' thirteen stars,
and as exergue the date of the year of issue. Upon the
reverse an eagle with U. S. shield upon its breast, an olive
branch and three stars in the talons. As legend : " United
States of America;" as exergue: "Five D." Above the
eagle appears for the first time the motto : " In God we trust."
In 1867, and up to the present time, no change was made
in the devices, and the dies were only altered in conformity
of the date of each year of issue.
Quarter-Eagles. — The Quarter-Eagles were authorized
to be coined by Act of Congress, April 2,1792. Their orig-
inal weight was 67 i grains, and their fineness 916.666. Their
weight and fineness was changed by Act of June 28, 1834, to
64 J grains, and their fineness to 899.225 fine. This latter
one was again changed January 18, 1837, to 900 fine, and
has remained so ever since.
63
The first issue of Quarter-Eagles took place in 1796.
In that year there were two distinct coinages, one having
sixteen stars on the obverse, the other without stars.
Upon the obverse is the head of Liberty, facing to right,
above "Liberty " and sixteen stars. Reverse : An eagle
with the U. S. shield upon its breast, a bundle of arrows in
its right talon and an olive branch in the left : in its beak a
scroll, upon which is inscribed : " E Pluribus Unum."
Around the head are thirteen stars, above a curved line of
clouds, extending from wing to wing, "United States of
America."
In 1797 and 1798 a slight alteration was again made,
Obverse : Head of Liberty, above the word "Liberty "
thirteen stars. Reverse: an eagle, from its beak a scroll
with " E Pluribus Unum " upon the same ; around the
head are thirteen stars surrounded by clouds, the whole
encircled by the words, " United States of America."
During 1799, 1800 and 1801 no Quarter-Eagles were
issued.
In 1802 the coinage of Quarter-Eagles was resumed. They'
bear upon the obverse head of Liberty, facing to the right,
above the same " Liberty" and thirteen stars. Reverse :
An eagle with the U. S. shield upon its breast, a bundle of
arrows in the right talon and an olive branch in the left ; in
the beak a scroll, upon which : "E Pluribus Unum ; " around
the head are thirteen stars above a curved line of clouds,
extending from wing to wing, surrounded by the words "United
States of America."
In 1803 no Quarter-Eagles were issued.
In 1804, 1805, 1806 and 1807 the Quarter-Eagles coined
bear upon the obverse head of Liberty, above the word
" Liberty," and below the date of the year of issue. Re-
verse : An eagle, from its beak a scroll with " E Pluribus
Unum " upon "it ; around the head of the eagle are thirteen
stars above a curved line of clouds, the whole surrounded by
the words " United States of America."
In 1808 a slight alteration was made in the coinage of
Quarter-Eagles. They bear upon the obverse the head of
64
Liberty, with the word " Liberty " i:i a curved line above"'
the head, and below the head the date 1808. Upon the^
reverse they have an eagle, wings uplifted, from its beak a
scroll, upon which is inscribed " E Pluribus Unum ;" above
the head thirteen stars and a curved line of clouds, the whole
surrounded by an almost circle with the words, " United
States of America."
From 1809, and up to 1820, inclusive, no Quarter-Eagles
were coined.
In 1821 an entire new device was adopted for the Quarter-
Eagles. They bear upon the obverse head of Liberty, facing
to the left, wearing a kind of turban, a band encircling the
same, upon which the word "Liberty;" above the head
thirteen stars, below " 1821." Reverse : An eagle with U. S.
shield upon its breast, an olive branch and three arrows
in its talons, above a scroll inscribed, "E Pluribus Unum;"
around the whole the words, " United States of America,"
and below "21 D."
During 1822 and 1823 none were issued.
During 1824, 1825, 1826 and 1827 the same devices and
inscriptions as those upon the Quarter-Eagles of 1821 were
continued, with the exception of the change of date of each
respective year's coinage.
During 1828 no Quarter-Eagles were issued.
During 1829, 1830, 1831, 1832 and 1833, the same devices
and inscriptions as those upon the Quarter-Eagles of 1821
were continued, with the substitution of the date of the year
of issue.
During 1834, there were two distinct coinages of Quarter-
Eagles. The first coinage was similar in every particular
with the exception of the date " 1834 " as those of 1821. The
second coinage bears upon the obverse: Head of Liberty,
facing to the left, hair confined by a band upon which is
inscribed : " Liberty ;" the whole surrounded by thirteen
stars, and below the date " 1834." Reverse : Eagle with
uplifted wings, U. S. shield upon its breast, in its talons an
olive branch and arrows; the whole surrounded by thirteen
stars, below " 2* D."
During 1835, 1836, 1837, 1838 and 1839, inclusive, the
same devices and inscriptions as those upon the Quarter-
Eagles of 1834 were continued, with the exception of the
change of date of each respective year's coinage.
In 1840 a new device was once more adopted for the Quar-
ter-Eagle. They bear upon the obverse : Liberty, head facing
to the left, hair tied behind, a coronet upon the forehead, on
65
which is inscribed : " Liberty ;" the whole surrounded by
thirteen stars : below the date " 1839." Reverse : Eagle with
the U. S. shield upon its breast, olive branch and three
arrows in the talons. The whole is surrounded by thirteen
stars, and below " 2£ D."
Since 1840 and up to the present time the same devices
and inscriptions were continued, with the exception of the
change of date of each respective year's coinage.
Three Dollars. — The Three Dollar Gold piece was
authorized to be coined by Act of February 2, 1853, its weight
fixed at 77.4 grains, and of 900 fineness.
In 1854 the first coinage of the Three Dollar gold pieces
took place. They bear upon the obverse : A female head,
designed to represent an Indian princess, the head with flow-
ing hair is encircled by feathers in a band arouud the same,
on which is inscribed the word: Liberty." The whole is
surrounded by the words : " United States of America.
Upon the Reverse : " 3 Dollars 1854," occupying the field
and inscribed in three lines; the whole surrounded by a
wreath consisting of corn, wheat cotton and tobacco.
No change has been made since in the coinage of the Three
Dollar gold pieces, the same devices and inscriptions have
been continued, with the exception of the change of date of
each respective year's issue.
One Dollar. — The Gold Dollar was first authorized to
be coined by Act of March 3, 1849, its weight fixed at 25.8
grains, and its fineness at 900.
In 1849, the first Gold Dollars were coined. They bear
upon the obverse : A head of Liberty facing to the left, and
wearing a coronet, the hair tied behind and curls falling over
the neck. The whole is surrounded by thirteen stars. Re-
verse: "1 Dollar 1849," occupying the field and inscribed
in three lines within a laurel wreath, The wrhole is sur-
rounded by the words : " United States of America."
In 1850, 1851, 1852, 1853, inclusive, the same devices and
inscriptions as upon the Gold Dollar of 1849 were con-
tinued, with the exception of the change of date of each re-
spective year's coinage.
In 1854 there were two distinct coinages of Gold Dollars;
the first was similar in every particular to the previous year's
coinages, while the second was changed even in size, the same-
being slightly increased ; but the weight and fineness re-
mained the same. This second coinage bears upon the Ob-
verse : A female head, designed to represent an Indian princ-
ess ; the head with flowing hair is encircled by feathers in a
band around the same, upon which is inscribed the word :
" Liberty." The whole is surrounded by the words : " United
States of America." Upon the Reverse : " 1 Dollar 1854,"
occupying the field and inscribed in three lines ; the whole
surrounded by a wreath consisting of corn, wheat cotton and
tobacco.
No change has been made since in the coinage of the Gold
Dollar, the same devices and inscriptions have been continued,
with the exception of the change of date of each respective
year's issue.
Silver Coins.
One Dollar — The first U. S. Dollar was issued from the
Mint in the latter part of the year 1794. The number of
pieces was small ; they are consequently highly valued, espe-
cially when in fine condition. A very high price was paid for
a perfect specimen at the sale of M". L. Mackenzie in 1869.
The bust on this and all others of the old Dollars looks
toward the observer's right. The hair is flowing, date beneath
and " Liberty " above the bust which is naked. There are
seven stars facing and eight behind ; on the reverse an eagle
stands upon a support, with raised wings ; he is surrounded
with two half wreaths joined below by a ribbon ; legend,
" United States of America ;" the edge is lettered " Hundred
Cents One Dollar or unit," the words being separated by
stars and sunken square mark*.
67
The Dollars of 1795 are many of them precisely like those
of 1794, with the change of date, but towards the latter part
of the year a great change was made. The hair is quite
curly and the ends of a fillet are seen tied behind. The bust
is draped and only six stars are found facing and seven
behind ; on the reverse side the eagle rests upon a cloud.
No change in the Dollar, except slight variations in the
several dies, until 1798. This year we find both fifteen and
thirteen stars, with the eagle above described, called the
small eagle, on the reverse. But they are scarce and both
bring a good premium. The larger emission of the year —
and it was very plentiful — has what is called the large eagle.
The bird is displayed ; a bundle of arrows is clasped in the
right talon, an olive branch in the left; the breast is cov-
ered with a shield, argent, six pales gules, a chief azure ; the
beak holds a scroll inscribed "E Pluribus Unum;" above
the head are thirteen stars, with an arched canopy of eight
clouds ; the legend, " United States of America," is in large
letters.
In 1799 one variety has five instead of six stars facing,
otherwise the Dollars after 1798 are like the larger emission
of that year, with unimportant exceptions, until 1804. Those
of the latter year are very rare, probably not over ten gen-
uine original pieces being known. It is alleged the dies
were not made in 1804, but many years later, to be used in
presenting the pieces to a foreign representative. They have
sold at auction at prices varying from $350 to $750, Col.
Cohen's bringing the first-named sum and J. J. Mickley's the
last.
From 1804 to 1835, inclusive, we do not find any U. S.
Dollars. In 1836 a beautifully designed piece, the work of
Christian Gobrecht, appeared. The Goddess of Liberty for
the first time appears seated. She is looking backwards,
towards the observer's left, her left hand grasps a liberty pole
surmounted by a cap, the right rests on a shield similar to
that already described on the Dollar of 1798, only more
ornate. A scroll with the word " Liberty " issues from the
hand and rests upon the shield ; date below. " C. Gobrecht
F " on the base of the support. Reverse, an eagle volant ;
above and beneath him, twenty-six stars, typifying that num-
ber of States, although the Union then contained but twenty-
five. Legend, " United States of America, One Dollar."
One thousand Dollars of 1836, it is claimed, were struck in
that year of the above-described pattern. In addition to
these, eighteen others, differing in having the name of Go-
brecht in the field above the date instead of upon the sup-
port, were also coined. Being rare, a Dollar of the last-
69
named variety has brought a very high pi
a fine proof can be had for from twelve to
rV^ o- raw ^
wtiv
HV/Ofthe other,
:"fecn dollars.
No Dollars were issued from the Mint in the year 1837.
In 1838 a limited number was coined, the design differing
from those in 1836, on the obverse, in having thirteen stars
around the figure of Liberty seated, seven of the number
being toward her right hand, five toward her left and one
between the head and cap. On the reverse the stars are
omitted, leaving the field between the eagle and the legend
plain. A fine proof Dollar of 1838 sells for about forty
dollars.
In 1839 the same designs were adopted. The issue was
larger than the year previous, but still sufficiently small to
make them bring twenty-five to thirty dollars in 1882.
The obverse design of 1838 was continued on the Ameri-
can Dollar until 1873, when the Trade Dollar was adopted.
The reverse, however, was changed in 1840. The eagle here
is displayed; a shield similar to that on the old Dollar
70
reverse, only smaller, is shown upon his breast. The left
talon has three arrows in it, the right has the olive branch.
Below these, "One Dol." This style of reverse was continued
into 1865. In 1866 there was an addition made of a scroll
above the eagle, inscribed " In God we Trust." No other
change was made until 1873.
Before the adoption of the Trade Dollar, seven patterns
were made and submitted to Congress to select from. The
ugliest of them all, as regards the obverse, was chosen. A
giantess eight feet high, representing the Goddess of Liberty,
looking towards the left hand, is seated on a bale of cot-
ton. A sheaf of wheat seems to assist the cotton in giving
her support. Her left hand grasps a dimly denned scroll,
inscribed " Liberty," trailing over the bale. The right hand
seems to be shaking an olive branch at some unseen object.
On the base is inscribed "In God we Trust," Four stars
face the ladv, two are between her head and the branch and
seven are behind her. Reverse: an eagle displayed, ram-
pant. The right talon has three arrows, the left a nonde-
71
script branch that it might puzzle botanists to explain. A
scroll above the eagle's head is inscribed " E Pluribus
Unum." Legend : " United States of America, Trade Dol-
lar, 420 grains; 900 fine." Trade Dollars were coined from
1873 to 1882. A bill for their abolition is under considera-
tion.
In 1878 the Standard or Bland Dollar was adopted. Here
we have a classic head, said to be taken from a young lady
in Philadelphia. The hair is banged, curled, tied with a
band inscribed "Liberty," has a wreath of cereals arouud
it and a small cap. Seven stars are facing and six be-
hind ; above, " E Pluribus Unum " in large Roman letters
and the date below. Reverse, similar in. design to the last,
but differing greatly in execution. The eagle has enormous
wings, the arrows and branch are reversed. " In God we
Trust," in a straight line and in Gothic characters apppears
above. " United States of America " and " One Dollar "
are separated by two stars. There are also two consecutive
half wreaths, beneath and around the eagle, fastened below
with a ribbon. On the ordinary Dollar, the eagle has seven
feathers in the tail. Originally the bird had eight feathers ;
In 1878 the die was changed and one feather omitted
unintentionally by the engraver. Of the eight feathered
variety, it is said but fifty specimens were made, in proof
condition, and not a few were made for general circulation,
consequently they are not rare.
Half Dollars. — The coinage of Half Dollars commenced
the same year as that of the Dollars, that is in 1794. And
the devices are the exact counterpart of each other, the only
difference being simply in the proportional size of the two
coins, and that the half is lettered on the edge "Fifty Cents
72
or Half Dollar." The next year no change. In 1796 the
counterpart of the Fillet Dollar of 1795 was adopted ; the
reverse is changed to a smaller eagle, standing on a cloud,
with the fraction i underneath. This was also adopted in
1797 ; none were coined in 1798, 1799, 1800, 1804. In that
of 1801, and ever after, the fraction was omitted, the reverse
being similar to that of the Dollar of the ,same year.
In 1807 the style of head of the Cent of 1808, with the
addition of a cap, was adopted in the course of the year.
Both this and the old style are found in circulation. On the
reverse the device is similar to that of the Dollar cf 1840
73
and afterwards, with the substitution of " 50 C." instead
of " One Dol.," and a scroll above inscribed " E Pluribus
Unum." With the exception of 1816, when there was no
silver coinage, this variety, with slight variations, was coined
every year until 1836. In 1836, a smaller head was adopted
the latter part of the year. This is known as the Gobrecht
head, from the artist who designed it. The reverse has
smaller letters, the scroll is omitted, " 50 Cents" takes the
place of " 50 C," and the edge is reeded instead of lettered.
In 1838 " 50 Cents" at the base is replaced by "Half Dol."
In 1839 the obverse is changed to the Goddess of Liberty
seated, both styles being made, and the small letters of
the reverse being continued. In 1842 larger letters were
again placed on the reverse. In 1853 there is a variety with-
out rays or arrows, but very rare; the standard of the Half
Dollar and other subsidiary coins was reduced in weight, and,
in order to indicate the difference, arrows were placed on
either side of the date, and on the reverse, rays were placed
in the field around the eagle.
In 1854 the arrows were retained but the rays were omit-
ted. No change in the obverse until 1873, when, owing to a
74
change of standard, the arrows again appear, for that year and
1874 only. On the reverse in 1866 there is added, above the
head of the eagle, a scroll inscribed " In God we trust." This
is continued until the present time.
Of the Half Dollars there are several that have excited
the interest of collectors, on account of being overstrikes of
previous years. For instance, 1808 over 1807, 1817 over
1813, 1818 over 1817, etc.
Quarter Dollars. — The first Quarter came from the
Mint in 1796. The devices are those of the Dollar in every
part exactly ; but the edge is reeded and not lettered.
This is true of all U. 8. Quarter Dollars. Although this
Quarter is quite scarce, bringing in perfect condition twenty-
five dollars, the supply seems to have sufficed until the year
1804, when the coinage was renewed, and a limited number
appeared. They are nearly as scarce as those of 1 7 i M i . and
sell for little less. The reverse of this, as well as that of
L805-6 and 7, has the displayed eagle with clouds above,
similar to the Dollars and Halves of the early part of this
century. The latter dates are common in circulation, but in
fine condition they bring several dollars, the 1807 being
considered most desirable.
75
Again tnere was a recess in the coinage, and not until the
year 1815 did they again appear, similar in obverse and
reverse to the Half Dollar of 1815. None were coined in 1816
or 1817 ; in 1818 they were made in abundance, being simi-
lar to that of 1815. This style continued to be made in 1819
-20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 27 and 28. Again an interval. In
1831 the head is smaller, the label is omitted, and the letters,
etc., are smaller. There was a change also iu 1838: two
types — Bust, and Liberty seated. Every year thereafter, up
to the present time, there has been no intermission. In 1823
the coinage was very limited. A Quarter Dollar of this
year has been known to sell for about a hundred dollars, and
very poor pieces bring twenty or thirty dollars.
In 1827 only four pieces, as alleged by the late Joseph J.
Mieklev, were made, all of which he obtained at face value
in that year. JBut of latter time the old dies have been
found, and a number of pieces were made from. them. They
are readily known, as the dies were rusty and had to be
cleaned, and the impression shows that this was done.
In 1838 the change to Liberty seated was made, similar to
the Dollar adopted in 1840; of course " Quar. DoL" takes
the place of "One Dol." on the reverse. Both styles are
found. In 1853 we have the arrows by the date and the rays
around the eagle, as in the halves of the same year, and a
jiware found without them. In 1854-5 the arrows, but not
76
rays. In 1866 the scroll inscribed " In God we trust" was
adopted, and is still in use. In 1878-4 the arrows again.
Excepting those mentioned as desirable, all the Quarters cat)
be obtained without much search, the scarcer of the common
ones being considered 1815 and 1866.
Overstrikes will be found in 1806 over '05, 1823 over '22
1824 over '23 and 1825 over '24.
Twenty Cent Pieces. — These are similar on the obverse,
to the quarter dollar of the corresponding years, they were
coined ; that is, from 1875 to 1878, inclusive. The reverse
differs merely in the eagle, who looks toward the right ; there
is no motto or scroll, and " Twenty Cents " replaces " Quar.
Dollar." The edge is plain. Those dated 1875 and 1876 are
common. Those of 1877 and 1878 are rare, being struck
only in proof condition, bringing several dollars apiece,
those of 1877 being considered most valuable.
Dimes. — The issue of dimes was first made in the year
1796. They are the exact counterpart in every way of tho
quarter dollar of the same year, having the same devices, the
j I
game number of stars and the small eagle resting on the:
clouds, but of proportionately small size and weight, to make
it the truth instead of the fourth part of a dollar. In 1797
there w as no change excepting in the date, and in one variety
which has sixteen stars. In 1 798, the reverse has the large
eagle under the clouds, like the quarter of 1804. Dimes were
coined in 1800, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 7, precisely like those of 1798.
In 1809 they were changed to correspond with the quarters
of 1815, " 10c." being substituted for " 25c." This style con-
tinued until the year 1836, inclusive, omitting the years 1810,
12, 13, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 and 26. In 1828 there were large
and small dates.
There were overstrikes in 1798, 1811, 1814 and 1824. In
1837 Liberty seated appears, with the stars omitted on the
obverse, and on the reverse "One Dime" in two lines, sur-
rounded by a wreath having "United States of America,"
encircling it around the border. In 1838 the stars are added
similar to the quarters of the same date. The dimes from
1839 to 1859, inclusive, are like those of 1838, excepting that
in one variety of 1853, and all those of 1854 and 5, there are
arrows on each side of the date. In i860 another change is
seen in the omission of the stars and substitution of "United
States of America," on the obverse ; and on the reverse a wreath
78
bf cereals surrounds the words " One Dime'* in two lines, which
occupies the centre. No variation in the dime has since been
made up to the present time, excepting that part of the issue
of 1873 and all that of 1874 has arrows on each side of the
date.
The following dimes are most valuable to the collector:
1804, 1800, 22, I 2 3 1797, 98, 1809, 1796, 1811, 5, 7, 46.
Half Dimes. — These were first coined in the year 1794,
and in this and the next year they are the exaet counterpart
of the half dollar of the same year, only reduced in size and
weight corresponding to their denomination, and they had
fourteen instead of thirteen stars. In 1796 the dimes of the
same year where copied, with fifteen stars. The same style
occursin 1797, in which year there are three varieties, with
thirteen, fifteen, and sixteen stars. From 1800 to 1805, inclu-
sive, they have thirteen stars on the obverse, while the large
eagle reverse is adopted.
After 1805 no half dimes appeared until after the year 1829
when they were reproduced and continued to he issued each
year without interruption until in] 873 the coin was discon-
tinued. From 1829 to 1837 inclusive, the style of the halt'
dollars of corresponding years was adopted for the half dimes.
The latter year, Liberty seated, without stars, like the dime
of 1837, was emitted plentifully. In 1838, Liberty seated,
?8
with stars, was adopted, and continued to be used up to the
year 1860. The changes noted in the dime of this latter year
were made at the same time in the half dime.
Three Cent Pieces. — These first appeared in 1851, and
were discontinued in 1873. For three years they were
alloyed with 25 per cent of copper. In and after 1854 their
fineness was raised to that of the silver of larger denomina-
tions. The device is a letter " C " enclosing three numerals,
and surrounded by thirteen stars. Reverse : A star hearing
a shield. Legend: "United States of America," The date
is below. In 1854 the large star has sharper points, and
there is an addition on the reverse of an olive hranch above
and a bundle of arrows below the numerals. No other
change was made after this date.
The dates sought after are 1855 and all after, and including
1863.
Nickel Coin's.
These consist of alloy • 25 per cent, nickel to 75 copper.
The larger coin first appeared in 1866. A figure " 5 " is sur-
rounded with a circle of thirteen stars, separated by rays
pointing inwards. Legend : " United States of America,"
80
below is the word
the base resting on
" In God we Trust."
obverse ; no other change has since occurred.
"Cents." Reverse; a shield decorated,
crossed arrows. Above is the legend,
In 1867 the rays were omitted from the
On the Three Cent coins a head of Liberty, looking right,
is surrounded by the legend "United States of America,"
and the date is below. Reverse : Three numerals surrounded
by a wreath. It has been coined every year since the first
issue in 1865.
Copper Coins.
Two Cents. — This coin first appeared in 1864, and was
discontinued in 1873. The alloy was the same as the cent of
the same period, and its weight 96 grains. " 2 Cents," in
two lines, is enclosed by two half wreaths of wheat, tied at
the lower ends. Legend: "United States of America;"
reverse similar in design to the nickel Five Cent pieces, only
the legend is in a scroll, and the crossed arrows, upon which
the shield rests, seems to support its centre instead of its
base. The Two Cent piece of 1872 is scarce ; that of 1873,
being only in proof sets, is very scarce.
One Cent. — There are four pattern cents bearing the date
1792, whether made in or designed to be used by the U. S.
Mint is uncertain. They are all extremely rare. The largest,
which exceeds the Half-Dollar in size, has on the obverse a
head of Liberty with flowing hair, which partly covers the
bust on both sides, and faces toward the observer s right ; the
date in large figures, is immediately beneath the bust, and the
81
legend is "Liberty Parent of Science and Industry." On
the shoulder of the bust is the name of Birch ; on the reverse,
in the centre, are the words "One Cent," surrounded by a
circle; this is surrounded by a wreath, and it again by the
legend " United States of America/'
The second in size is a trifle less in diameter than the Half-
Dollar. Obverse: .V naked bust of Liberty, facing right,
with the hair confined by a band and knot, beneath it
"1792," above it "Liberty." Reverse: An eagle, his wings
raised, standing oil a section of a globe, facing right ; legend,
f United States of America." Only two of these are now
known, one of them being in the Mint Cabinet.
The small pattern cents are about the diameter of the
present Quarter-Dollar, the only difference between them is
that one of them lias a plug of silver in the centre. They
are both from the same dies. Obverse : Head of Liberty
with flowing hair, looking toward the right; date, 1792
under the bust. Legend: "Liberty Parent of Science and
Industry;" reverse, "One Cent" in a wreath, and legend
" United States of America ;" at the base, y^.
But it was not until the succeeding year, 1793, that the
operations of the Mint wrere productive of much relief to the
community in the matter of a circulating medium. Only
the copper pieces were made this year. Of the cent there
were three distinct styles and several varieties of dies of both
obverse and reverse.
I. Chain Cents. — These have a bust with flowing hair,
looking right, with the date belowr and word "Liberty"
above it ; on the reverse side, in the centre, is " One Cent,"
with " yfo " below7 it enclosed in an endless chain of fifteen
links, typifying the number of States then in the Union. The
legend is " United States of America " in all excepting one
die, which reads " United States of Ameri," the engraver evi-
dently not having room to complete the word. This being
m
tylite scarce is highly prized by some collectors of cents. The
edges have in four sections alternately a vine and several
bars.
2. Wreath Cents. — Obverse, a bust with disheveled hair
11 owing freely, beneath it a sprig, in most cases of three figs or
olive leaves ; in a very rare variety it is of shamrock. The
reverse has two half wreaths, fastened by a ribbon at the
bottom, the t$tt below and legend at the last ; both sides have
a beaded circle around the edge. Many wreath Cents have
the vine and bars; but one variety has the words "One Hun-
dred for a Dollar " on the edge.
3. Liberty Cap Cent. — These are larger in diameter, and
tire all lettered on the edge " One Hundred for a Dollar."
The letters on the obverse and reverse are larger than either
of the preceding, and the beaded circles on the edges are
more bold and striking than in the last. On the obverse the
flowing hair bust has a Liberty cap on a pole extending
across and behind it.
In its general character, the Cent of 1794 resembles the
Liberty Cap Cent of 1793. It is slightly thicker and pro-
portionately smaller in diameter. Instead of the beaded bor-
der, it has a serrated milling on both sides. Many dies were
used during the year, whose slight variations have afforded a
83
study to coin collectors. One of them resembles its prede-
cessor in date almost exactly. Two others differ only in a
slight degree. In others the letters and figures vary in size,
position, etc> as also do the bust, cap, pole, different parts of
the half wreaths and their connecting ribbon. Some of them
approach in style the Cent of 1795 and one is its exact coun-
terpart. The essential difference between the main issues
of 1794 and 1795 being that in the latter year the two or
more adjoining hairs appear to be plaited together just be-
fore the termination. These varieties are hence sometimes
called the "Plicae." The lower combination, or plait, also
makes less of a hook at the end in the 1795*8.
On the reverse the most notable differences are, in one the
absence of a dividing line in the fraction, and in another a
ring of eighty-nine minute stars arranged around the periph-
ery, some of them more or less obliterated by the milling.
Both of these varieties are quite rare. We have seen three
only of each.
Of the Cent and Half-Cent of 1795 we have the lettered
and the unlettered edge variety. The latter are lightest in
weight, in accordance with a law changing the standard
for the future. In a few cabinets is found a cent, bearing
date of 1795, that is wholly different in artistic make from
all other Cents ; the hair is much finer and brushed out
nearly straight : the lowest lock however, is shaped like the
letter S laid on its side ; the profile and high cheek bones
suggest those of an Indian. Some people imagine a resem-
blance to the portrait of Thomas Jefferson ; hence it is pop-
ularly known as the " Jefferson Head Cent." The execution
of the reverse is equally distinguishing ; the ribbon bow has
three instead of two turns : the leaves are longer, the berries
smaller and more numerous and the stems finer than in any
other United States Cent. Its origin is a mystery, some be-
lieve it to have been a pattern, while others with more prob-
ability assign it to a counterfeiter. At all events it is suffi-
ciently rare now to bring a good price; one hundred and
forty-five dollars has been paid for the best specimen known
to the large body of collectors.
The Cents of this year, with lettered edges, are rarer than
those without the lettering. They made a Liberty Cap
Cent in 1796. There was also made a new style of obverse
during this year, which also was used in 1797 and
1798. For the first time the bust is draped. A fillet on the
back of head is revealed by its bow ; but the hairs general-
ly end in curls, one on the cheek, two on the neck and several
84
others behind. The liberty cap is omitted, as is the lettering
on the edge, never to reappear on the American Cent.
Both varieties of the Cent of 1796 are not rare, one
about as plentiful as the other. But in an uncirculated
condition, the Liberty Cap is much less seldom seen than the
other and will command about double the price.
In 1797 no change to remark.
In the year 1798 a slight change was made in the obverse
of the Cent, giving some of the curls a different termination
from those of 1796, '97, and the early part of 1798. The
latter device was continued each year, until and including
1807. The reverse remained unchanged until the same time,
excepting some slight variations, probably unintentional, if
not positive mistakes. For instance, in 1797 and 1802 we
find some without stems to the wreaths, and in one case only
one stem. In 1801 and 1802 some have uhs instead of the
fraction T^. In addition to this error, a variety of the Cent
of 1802 has " United," instead ^ of " United/' In 1796 we
have in one instance " Liberty," instead of " Liberty."
In the changes made in 1808 an entirely new head was
designed, facing left. Seven stars are to the left and six to the
right. The head has a band tied across it, inscribed with the
word " Liberty," and the hair is curled gracefully below the
85
bands on the reverse. There is but one wreath, with the ends
tied together, entirely encircling the words " One Cent," in
two lines, with a point between them and the line below. This
style continued until the year 1814, inclusive. It was also
adopted on the Half Cent from 1809 to ^1811, inclusive, when
these coins were omitted until 1825. The same devices were
then resumed until and including 1836, none being made in
1827 and 1830, and one variety in 1828 has but twelve stars.
In 1815 no Cents were made at the United States Mint. In
1816 we have a different obverse. The head is broader than
that of 1808, etc., and the hair is "put up " in a knot at the
back part. The stars surround the bust at regular intervals.
This style with some variations, was continued until the aboli-
tion of the old copper Cent in 1857, and the adoption of the
nickel Cent in its place; the most noticeable changes being the
following : In 1817 one variety has fifteen instead of thir-
teen stars. In 1838 the plain string that confines the hair is
replaced by a beaded string, which was adopted thereafter.
In 1839 there are five varieties, one of them is from an altered
die of 1836.
A second has the head and reverse of 1838. A third has
a lock on the forehead, and from the simple expression, is
sometimes called the " Silly head." A fourth has also a
remarkable expression, and is called the " Booby head." The
line and point on the reverse are left off in this. The fifth
variety has a smaller head, less curly and more old maidish
in execution. The stars are smaller and the letters on the
reverse are larger. This last was continued until 1857.
Overstrikes of Cents occurred in 1798 over 1797, 1799
over 1798, 1800, over 1799, 1807 over 6, 10 over 9, 11 over
10, 19 over 18, 20 over 19, 23 and 24 both over 22, and 39
over 36. In the Half-Cent series, we have 1802 over 1800,
and 8 over 7.
86
The most valuable Cents are about in the following order I
1795 Jefferson head, 1799, 1804, 1793, 1809, 11, 6, 1796, 95,
1823. .V fine Jefferson head has sold for $145. But fine cents of
common dates often bring large prices. The sale of Mortimer
McKenzie, in 1869, was the most successful, 88 Cents realizing
SI 295.
A really fine set of Cents is worth $300 to $500, a fine set
of Half-Cents, about $200.
In 1 &o() the Cent was made of an alloy of copper 88 per
rent, and nickel 12 per cent. The device was an eagle vo-
lant with the usual legend, " United States of America,"' and
date below the device. Reverse, two half wreaths of cereals
enclosing the words " One Cent." It weighed 72 grains. In
1 859 the eagle was displaced by an Indian head, with a
crown of feathers fastened by a band inscribed " Liberty "
On the reverse the cereal wreath was displaced by a wreath
of laurel. In i860 the reverse had a wreath of oak with a
small shield separating the ends at the top. There has been
no change in the designs of either side since 1860, but the
alloy was changed in 1864 to copper 95 per cent, zinc and
tin each 2\ per cent., and the weight to 48 grains.
Half Cent. — Of the Half-Cents of 1793 there were several
dies, but only one variety. They have Liberty Caps like the
87
bent but the bust faces towards the left, and the hair is
confined by a fillet from the front and around the head ; the
Edge is lettered " Two Hundred for a Dollar." The Half-
rent of 171)4 is like the Cent of that year, Liberty Cap
feeing right, lettered edge same as 1793, there were several
Ins varying slightly the differences not of much interest, of
1 795 are two varieties, lettered and unlettered edge, the latter
is lightest in weight, in accordance with a law changing the
standard weight for the future. Thick plancet lettered edge
is the rarest of the two the 1796 Half-Cent is the rarest of all
the Half Cents and a fine piece is worth over Twenty Dollars,
1797 is like the last, not very rare. We find one of this year
with a lettered edge thin plancet which in fine condition is
very rare. 1798 and 1799 none were coined, but in 1800 the
Halt-Cent appears but changed in design, similar to that of the
Cent and the design was continued to 1808 inclusive, none
were coined in 1801. The Half-Cent of 1802 in a fine condi-
tion is worth a large premium, in 1809 the design was changed
to that of the Cent, and coined to 1811 inclusive, when coinage
was suspended until 1825, the same devices were used until
1836 inclusive, none were coined in 1827 and 1830, in 1828
one variety has but twelve stars. They again were coined in
1840 with the same pattern of the Cent of that year and con-
tinued without intermission until 1857 inclusive where their
coinage was discontinued and none have been coined since.
88
COLONIAL COINS.
The brass pieces of money, known as the "Sommer Islands "
pieces, were undoubtedly the earliest coins ever struck for
America. Their date and the history of the coinage is not
known, although there is reason to believe that they were
current about the year 1616. John Smith, Governor of Vir-
ginia, in his history relates that Sir George Somers was ship-
wrecked upon the Bermudas, or Sommer Islands, in 1612,
and that four years later Daniel Tuckar arrived as governor
of these Islands. Smith adds that they found a certain kind
of brass money in circulation with a " hogge " on one side.
It appears that the islands were infested with these brutes.
The Sommer Islands Shilling has on one side a hog in the
centre with XII above, and both are surrounded with a
beaded circle ; exterior to and around the latter is the legend
" Sommer Islands." On the reverse side is a ship, with can-
vas spread and a flagon each of her mast-heads; a beaded
circle surrounds the exterior of both sides. The Sommer
Island sixpence is about half the size of the Shilling, and an
exaet counterpart, only that VI instead of XII surmounts
the hog. Only three of the Shillings and one Sixpence are
known : the former has been imitated.
The New England Shilling, Sixpence, and Threepence were
the first silver coins made in America, They were simple
thin planchets of silver, having N E stamped into one side,
and XII, VI or III stamped into the other side. The
authority for the coinage was given in the year 1652. It was
shortly after followed by an emission of the Pine Tree money
of the same denomination, and the Oak Tree money, which
latter also includes a Twopence. On the obverse side is a
Pine or Oak Tree in the centre, around this a beaded circle ;
legend, " Masathvsets in ;" on the exterior is another beaded
circle. On the reverse, "1652, XII" surrounded by two
beaded circles, and between them " New England : An :
Dom." Although they were coined for thirty years they all
seem to bear the same date, viz., 1652.
Copper Coins. — The Granby or Higley coppers are thought
to be the first made in America. They were made by a John
Higley, at the town of Granby in Connecticut, from 1737 to
1 7vU), inclusive. There are three different varieties of this coin.
Their obverses are similar: A deer standing; below him a
hand, a star and III ; around him is the legend inclosed in
two circles, "Value me as you please." The reverse of one
variety hvs three hammers, crowned ; around them in the
circles " Connecticvt," a star and 1737. The second reverse
90
has the three hammers crowned and the legend "I am Good
Copper," a hand, some dots fancifully arranged, and 1737.
The third variety has a broad-axe and the legend "I Cut
my Way Through;" a few also have date 1739. All
these varieties of the Granby Copper are quite rare, and when
in a satisfactory condition they bring a high price. It is
alleged that the fineness of the quality of the copper made
them sought after as an alloy of gold, and their use in this
way may, in part, account for their present great scarcity.
Among the early American Colonials, the money of Mary-
land under the Proprietorship of Cecil the second, Lord Bal-
timore, should not be omitted. Tobacco had been a common
medium of exchange ; i\w$ were also made use of to some extent,
also powder and shot. On one occasion his lordship's cattle
were given to some of the soldiers, who had become mutinous
for their pay. At a subsequent time a tax was levied upon
the people of several of the counties for a particular purpose.
To obviate the inconvenience of these media of exchange, the
dies for a silver coinage of shillings, sixpence and groats,
were prepared in London. A limited number of each was
struck, and they are all now rare; — the groats much the most
so. They each have a bust of Lord Baltimore, draped, look-
ing toward the observer's left. Legend: "Csecilivs: Dns:
Terrse Marise :" etc. Reverse : a lozenged shield, surmounted
bv a crown, and dividing the numerals XII., VI. and I
Legend: " Crescite : et: Multiplicands. "
91
There is also in existence a copper piece, supposed to be
unique, and evidently a penny. One side has a similar
• it gign with the silver pieces. The reverse has a ducal coronet
with two pennants flying. Legend: " Denarivm : Terra
plarise."
In the year 1783 a goldsmith of Annapolis, Maryland,
■sued silver tokens of three denominations: shillings, six-
l'i uc and threepence. The shilling has two hands clasped
within a wreath. Legend: "I Chalmers Annapolis." Reverse*
I circle is divided by a horizontal bar ; above it is a serpent ;
below it are two doves vis-a-vis, holding a branch in their
beaks. Legend; "One shilling," 1783. The sixpence has a
five pointed star within a wreath. Legend : " I Chalmers.
Annapolis." Reverse ; a long cross, two arms terminating in
stars and two in crescents; a leaf in each angle. Legend : " 1.
C Sixpence," 1783. The threepence has two hands clasped
within a wreath. Legend : " I. Chalmers. Annap's." Reverse ;
a branch encircled by a wreath. Legend: "Three Pence,"
1783. The Shilling is rather common; a good one brings
three dollars. The Sixpence is rare and sells from six to
ten dollars when fine. The groat is scarce and worth eight
or ten dollars.
Another private token in silver is sometimes called the
Baltimore Town Piece. It has a head facing left in a circle.
92
Legend: "Baltimore Town, July 4,1790." Reverse, "Three
Pence," within a circle, underscored. Legend : "Standish
Barry." The piece brings eight dollars and m<>iv.
In 1682, the colonial legislature of New Jersey passed a
law legalizing a kind of copper money brought from Ireland
by a settler named Mark Newby. There were two sizes,
bearing different legends on the reverse. On their obverse,
King Charles the First, in the character of King David, ap-
pears kneeling and playing upon a harp. Above the bar}) is
a crown with a piece of brass inserted into it, Legend, " Flore-
at Rex." The larger piece has on the reverse, St. Patrick
standing, holding a trefoil or shamrock in his right hand and
a crozier in his left. Several people are around him, appar-
ently to receive his blessing. At his left is a shield with the
coat of arms of Dublin. Legend, " Ecce Grex."
The small coin has on its reverse St. Patrick standing, in
his left hand a double cross, the right is extended. Snakes
and other reptiles are fleeing before him. At the right is
a church. Legend, " Quiescat Plebs." A few of the smaller
size are found in silver. But in either metal they are very
scarce, and usually they are badly worn by circulation.
A token much prized by collectors is known as the Caro-
lina Elephant. The obverse is from a rather common English
token known now as the London Elephant. The animal
is standing with his head down. There is no legend. Re-
verse : ■ 'God : preserve : Carolina : and the Lords : Proprie-
ters 1694." This is in six lines. One variety spells one
word Proprietors, and is of great rarity.
There is also a new England Elephant. Obverse from the
same die as the last London piece. "Reverse, "God : Pre-
serve : New : England : 1694," in five lines. Only two or
three of these are known at the present time. A very fine
one sold in the Mickley collection in 1867 for $235.00. 'Wil-
liam S. Appleton, of Boston, was the purchaser.
93
ptflVERSIT^
An interesting medalet that passed as
colonists i.s known as the Pitt token. A bust
Circumscribed with the legend, " The Restorer of Commerce
17HH : No Stamps." The other side has a ship with canvass
spread and five flags flying, sailing towards the observer's
right ; she is about striking on the word " America," which is
placed in a straight line in the right field. Legend : "Thanks
to the friends of Liberty and Trade." The piece brings from
twenty-five cents to five or six dollars, according to condition.
The needs of the colonists for a circulating medium was
nnet in 1722-23 by the issue of the Rosa Americana money.
[A man named William Wood obtained patents for coining
Irish and American tokens. Both of them however wer§
94
much used in the latter country. The Rosa's are in a compo-
sition according to the terms of the patent, of silver, brass
and spelter. The largest piece, usually called the penny, has.
a bead of George I., looking to the right, laureated. Legend ;
"Georgivs: D: G: Mag: Bri: Fra: et. Hib : Rex." Re-
verse; a full-blown rose (in some cases surmounted with a
crown.) Legend, " Rosa Americana, 1722 " (or 1723.) On a
scroll below is the sentiment " Utile Dulci." One variety is
without the scroll. The half penny is similar ; a few are found1
with the date 1724. The farthing is also similar. The words
Utile Dulci are never found on the uncrowned halfpence an<J
farthings. Fine specimens of the Rosa's bring from five to ten
dollars each. The rarer varieties, of course, much more.
An extremely rare Rosa Americana of the largest size exist!
of the date 1738. One of them is said to be in the British
Museum. Another was sold from the collection of Dr. Chas.
Clay of Manchester, England, in New York City, in the
year 1871, for $190. Obverse, laureated bust of George II.
" Georgivs II., D. G. Rex." Reverse, rose branch with seven
leaves, a full-blown rose and a bud crowned ; " Rosa Ameri-
cana, 1733." " Utile Dulci." on a scroll, beneath the rose.
, /COLONIES
We sometimes meet with a copper coin something smaller
in diameter and not so thick as the old U. 8, Cent, having
95
the following characters : Obverse, two L's crossed under a
crown. Legend, " Sir X omen Domini Benedictum." Reverse,
"Colonies Francoises 1721 H." Sometimes the date is 1722.
The piece tells its own story, being issued during the min-
ority of Louis XV by the French Government for its Colo-
nies. As Louisiana was one of these, it probably circulated
there, and is accordingly classed among American Colonials.
Another considerably heavier copper, engrailed on the
edge, was issued by the same government in the year 17*>7.
Obverse: Two flambeaux, crossed and tied together. Legend:
" Colonies Francoises L. XV." Reverse : Three fleur-de-lis
under a crown, are encircled by two half-wreaths fastened
by their stems. Legend, " Sit Nomeii Domini Benedictum
L767."
The majority of those now seen have had the three fleur-de-
lis, obliterated by the letters R F stamped upon them. This, it
is believed, was done by order of the Republican Government
after its establishment.
The well-known Virginia Half Pennies seem to have been
very plentiful. A number of different dies were used. A lau-
reated bust of George the Third is surrounded, as on the Eng-
lish half penny, with his title, " Georgivs. III. Rex." The
reverse has an ornamental and crowned shield, emblazoned
quarterly: 1, England empaling Scotland ; 2. France.; 3, Ire-
land ; 4, the electoral dominions. Legend : " Virginia." Date,
9e
1773. One variety is so much larger than the others as
sometimes to be called the penny, but it is not nearly large
enough.
A similar device, dated 1774, has been found in silver, and
is known as the Virginia shilling. It is possible that a coin-
age of shillings for Virginia was intended at this time, of
which the above was a pattern. However this may have
been, the coin is of great rarity, probably less than 'half a.j
dozen in all are known to coin collectors of the present day.
A very rare if not unique piece, whose history is not
known, is called the " Non Dependens Status," from the
legend on the obverse. This legend surrounds a draped bust,
facing right, the hair falling on the shoulder. Reverse, an
Indian in a tunic of feathers, facing left, seated on a globe.
In his right hand is a bunch of tobacco ; his left rests upon
a shield. Legend, "America." Date, 1778. Judging by
the copy that has been made of this piece, which is said to
have been engraved only, it must be a ' fine design hand-
somely executed.
The Bar Cent is believed to have been made in England,
in the year 1785, and sent over to New York fir circulation
in America. It has the monogram U. S. A. in large Roman
letters. In one variety the S is over the other letters, and in
another the S is over the U, and the A over the S. The
reverse has thirteen parallel bars. A good Bar Cent can be
bad for three or lour dollar.-. Other pieces made probably
97
in this country, but not authorized, that were intended for
the needs of the New York colonists, will now be described.
The Nova Eboracs have a laureated head, facing right,
with mailed bust. Legend, "Nova Eborac." Reverse, the
Goddess of Liberty, seated upon a globe ; in one variety facing
right, in three others facing left. She holds the liberty
pole with a cap. in the right hand, and an olive branch in the
left, Beside her is the New York shield. Legend, "Virt.
et Lib." Date, 1787. The commou varieties bring, in good
c mdition, about a dollar.
The Excelsior coppers have the coat of arms of the State
of New York, with the word "Excelsior" in the exergue.
Reverse, an eagle displayed ; on the breast a shield argent ;
in one talon a bundle of arrows, in the other an olive branch
and thirteen stars about his head. Date, 1787. Two varieties ;
in good condition, fifteen to twenty dollars.
The New York Washington Cent has a bust with wig, and
with military draping, face right. Legend, "Non vi vir-
98
tute vici." Reverse, the Goddess of Liberty, seated, -with
liberty pole and scales of justice. Legend, "Neo Eboracen-
sis." Date, 1786.
The New York I minimis Columbia has the Goddess of Lib-
erty, seated upon a globe, the scales in her left hand, and
liberty pole, with cap and flag, in the right. Legend, " Im-
munis Columbia." Date, 1787. Reverse: An eagle dis-
played, with arrows and olive branch in his talons. Legend,
" E Pluribus Unum."
The George Clinton Copper has the bust of Governor
Clinton facing right, with legend "George Clinton." Reverse,
the State arms of New York, and in the exergue " 1787 Ex-
celsior." This last reverse is found also combined with the
Liber Natus, which has an Indian standing, facing left, with
hand and
tomahawk in the right
bow in the left, a bundle of
arrows also at his back. Legend, " Liber Natus Libertatem
Defendo." This latter obverse is also found combined with
another reverse, as follows: An eagle stands upon a section
of the globe. Legend, " Neo Emboracus 1787 Excelsior."
The foregoing are very rare, excepting the Immunis Columbia,
Which sells in good condition for live dollars or more.
The others, including the N. V. Washington, bring from
twenty-five to more than a hundred dollars.
99
Brashers's Doubloon has the device, a sun rising from
behind a range of mountains, in the foreground the sea,
" Brasher " underneath, and a beaded circle around. Reverse,
an eagle displayed with shield Uf>on his breast, and an
and olive branch in his talons ; thirteen stars about his head.
" E. B.," in an oval has been struck in his right wing.
Legend: " Unum E Pluribus 1787." Only about four of the
gold pieees are known, one of them in the U. 8. Mint cabinet.
-f-!jJvw77^5;-.
The Mott tokens were issued by the Mott firm in N. Y.
city, and are considered the first tradesmen's tokens coined
in America. Device, a clock with an eagle perched upon
the top. Legend, " Motts, N. Y. Importers, Dealers, Manu-
facturers of Gold and Silver Wares." Reverse, an eagle with
wings expanded, facing left ; a shield is upon his breast, and
the talons have arrows and olive branch respectively.
Above is the date, 1789. Legend : "Chronometers, Clocks.
Watches, Jewelry, Silver Ware."
The Talbot, Allum & Lee Tokens have as device a ship
mailing towards the right. Above the ship, "New York."
Legend: "Talbot, Allum & Lee, One Cent." Reverse, the
Goddess of Liberty, standing beside a bale of merchandise;
her right hand supports the liberty staff, with cap ; her left
rests upon a rudder. Legend, " Liberty and commerce."
pate, 1794, On the edge. " Payable at the store of."
100
In 1795 there was a flight variation, reading us follows on
tlie obverse: " At the store of Talbot, Allum & Lee, New
York." On the edge, " We promise to pay the bearer One
Cent." Of course the date was 1795.
The tokens of Mott and of Talbot, Allum & Lee are quite
plentiful. That of the latter of 1795 is scarcer than the
1794. From one to two dollars will purchase any of the
three, in fine condition.
In the year 1785 permission was given ro ReuDen Harman,
Jr., of Vermont, by the Legislature of that State, to coin
copper money. In the latter part of the year they first
appeared, and were coined in 1786, 7 and 8. The first bore
the following devices: a sun rising behind a wooded range
of hills, beneath it a plow. Legend, " Vermonts Res Pub-
lica " on one variety and Vermontis Res Publica " on
another. Reverse, an eye with a small circle, surrounded
with twenty-six rays, one-half of each being longer than the
alternate half. A circle of thirteen stars fills up the spaces
between the end of the short rays and the long ones. Legend,
,k Stella Quarta Decima."
in 1786 a similar style was adopted on one variety, but
the l<gend reads " Vermontensium Res Publica." On the
feverse the long rays terminate in sharp points, and the others
are omitted-
101
Another variety was totally different. It has a lattreated
bust, facing right, with the legend, "Auetori Vermon."
Reverse, tlie Goddess of Liberty seated, facing left, with
Staff and olive branch. Legend, "Inde et Lib." This is
called the Baby-head Vermont, and is valued at from 80
cents to (2.00, according to condition.
The third variety has the head facing left, and m rather
scarce.
In 1787 the head faces in two varieties toward the right,
and in one toward the left ; the legend on the reverse of the
latter is " Britannia." It is common.
In all the issues of 1788 the head faces right. There
are a number of varieties, some common and others rare.
There is a rare Vermont, bearing for reverse an Immunis
Columbia," exactly like that described on page 98, excepting
that it is dated 1785, and the legend reads "Immune Colum-
bia." In good condition it is worth five dollars.
The Tory Cents are of two kinds ; one of these has the re-
verse " Immune Columbia," the other has that of the ordinary
Vermont coppers of 1788. The obverses are similar
to the English half-pence of the period, having a laureated
bust of George III, with his title, " Georgivs III., Rex."
Authority was given, in 1785, to Samuel Bishop, James
Hillhouse, Joseph Hopkins and John Goodrich, to coin
102
Coppers for Connecticut. The dies were made by Abel tJuel
of New Haven. They were coined in the period from 1785
to 1788 inclusive, and are similar to those of Vermont of
1788, excepting that the legend is "Auctori Connec." In
each year, different varieties have the head facing right in
some cases and left in others. The most noteworthy of
the Connecticut's are, the African head of 1785, the "Et
Lib Inde," and Hercules head of 1786; the"Et Lib Inde,"
Governor Bradford head, Horned bust, Laughing head, Con-
nect, Auctobi, Auctopi, and Auciori of 1787 ; and the Cou-
lee of 1788. The most of these are not rare and can usually
be had in very good condition for a dollar or less.
The coining of coppers for New Jersey was given by law
to Walter Mould, Thomas Goadsby and Albion Cox. There
were two Mints, one at Elizabethtown and one at Morris-
town. They have a horse head, usually facing right, with a
plow below it, and the legend " Nova Ca^sarea." Date in the
exergue. Reverse, a shield with the motto around the bor-
der " E Pluribus unum." In ordiuary condition, the New
Jersey can be had for from ten to fifty cents. The most pop-
ular varieties are :
Plow without coulter, . . . . $1 00 to 3 00
ri< »w with date under the beam, . . . $100 00
Plow with Immunis Columbia, 1786, for obverse, 50 00
10.°>
■ Plow with Gen. Washington bust " " 150 00
E Pluribs Unum *'l 00 to 4 00
Horse head facing left, . . . . 1 00 to 5 00
With a fox or horse on the reverse, . . 1 00 to 4 00
Dr. E. Maris of Philadelphia, has published a history of
the coins of New Jersey, with a large phototype plate of the
obverses and reverses of all known varieties. They arc of
the natural size and make 140 pictures.
Massachusetts coined cents and half-cents, each dated 1787
and 1788. They are similar in design, having an Indian
standing, with a bow in his right and an arrow in his left
hand. Legend, "Commonwealth, " separated by a five-pointed
star. Reverse, and eagle displayed, on his breast a shield ar-
gent, six pales gules, a chief azure ; on the chief the word
"Cent" or "Half-Cent"; in the eagle's right talon is an
olive branch and in his left a bundle of arrows. Legend,
"Massachusetts." Date in the exergue. The cent id 'worth
a dollar in fine condition, the half-cent twice as much as the
cent.
There are several pieces in silver, of patterns designed for
the Colonies, which are of two sizes. They have an eye in
the centre, surrounded with 13 rays and 13 stars between the
points, similar to the reverse of the Vermontensium pieces.
Legend, " Nova Constellatio." Reverse, a wreath encircles
K U. S. 1000 " on the large and " U. S. 500 " on the smaller
j>iece. Legend, " Libertas Justitia," and the date 1788 in
the exergue. One variety of the smaller-sized piece is with-
out date or legend on the reverse. All are extremely rare
or unique.
The copper Nova Constellatios are similar in design to
the silver pieces above described. One variety has wedge-
shaped blocks, pointing towards the centre, between each of
the stars. Another has the legend spelled " Nova Constel-
atio." Some varieties have, on the reverse, Roman and
104
others script letters in the centre (XL S.,) but none have the
denominational figures like the silver pieces. They have
various dates, 1783, 1785 and 1786. The latter are exceed-
ingly rare, the others are all common. Some rare combina-
tions are, with "Immune Columbia" 1785 reverse, worth
fifteen or twenty dollars, and the same with the wedge-shaped
rays and u Immune Columbia " reverse, lately sold for one
hundred dollars.
Of the "Inimica Tyrannis" coppers there are two slight
variations in the obverse. An Indian is standing before an
altar with his right foot upon a crown. In his left hand is
a bow, in the right an arrow, and a quiver full of
arrows on his back, Legend, " Inimica Tyrannis Americana."
There are two reverses. In each there is a cluster of thir-
teen stars m the centre, with a glory surrounding them, in
pne case having twenty-four and in the other sixteen rays.
Legend, M Confederatio." Date 1785. Both obverses are com-
bined with the first-named reverse, and one of them with both
reverses. The reverse " Confederatio," is also combined with
a reverse " Nova Constellatio " 1785, with the Gen. Washing-
ton head mentioned in the coins of Xew Jersey, with the "Im-
munis Columbia " 1786, and with a reverse similar to that on
the Excelsior cent described on page 98, excepting that it is
dated 1786.
The last-named die is also found with the Gen. Washington
and with that, the N. J. shield, which is an obverse to the
" Immunis Columbia " of 1786.
Washington Tokens. — There are in existence a large
number of copper and silver pieces having a bust of Wash-
ington on one side. Only those tokens that were issued for
or were used as money will be described here, all others
being properly medals or medalets.
The Unity States Cent has a bust of Washington, draped
and facing left. Legend, " Washington and Independence,
1783." Reverse, " One Cent" in two lines, enclosed by two
olive branches, fastened at the bottom with a ribbon. Legend,
" Unity States of America." This is supposed to be of French
origin.
A similar obverse is found combined with a different re-
10(5
Verse, having Liberty seated looking left, witii pole and cap
on it in the left hand, and with an olive branch in the right
hand, which is extended. Legend, " United States" above.
There were two dies of this variety ; one pair of them still
exists in England, and proof-impressions are furnished from
them, some in silver and others in copper ; the latter has an
engrailed line on the edge to distinguish it from original
impressions.
Two other dies have smaller heads on their obverses ; they
are known as the Small Head Washington, those last previously
described are known r.s the Large Bead Washington.
The Double Head Washington has a small head on both
obverse and reverse. The former has the legend " Washing-
ton " ; the latter the legend " One Cent."
The large Eagle Washington Cent has a bust of Washington
in military costume, facing left, the hair tied in a queue;
date 1701; legend, "Washington President." Reverse, a
large eagle displayed, on his breast a shield argent, six pales
gules ; in his beak is a scroll bearing the motto, " E Pluribus
LJnum"; in his right talon is an olive branch, in the left a
bundle of arrows; above the head are the words, "One
Cent;" on the edge are the words, "United States of
America."
lor
The small eagle Washington Cent is precisely like the largo
eagle cent on the obverse, excepting that the date is want-
ing. The reverse has a smaller eagle than the last, dis-
played, with the wings upraised and the talons grasping the
olive branch and arrows; a shield on the breast is similar to
that on the large eagle Cent excepting that it has a Chief
assure. The words " One Cent" are above and the date 1791,
at the base ; a circle of clouds extends from wing to wing of
the eagle, and eight stars are about his head. The edge is
lettered " United States of America."
The last described obverse is found with another reverse,
which has a ship with canvas spread, sailing toward the
light; above it is the legend " Halfpenny ;" the date is 179.3.
The naked buM Washington Gent has the undraped bust of
"Washington facing right, the hair tied with a fillet, date
1792. The reverse is similar to the small eagle Cent, except-
ing that the date is wanting, also the clouds, and there are six
instead of eight stars.
All the forgoing Washington pieces excepting the first-
described are of English origin. The next are from dies
supposed to have been made in Philadelphia, by Peter Cetz of
Lancaster, Penna.
10$
The 1792 Washington Cent and 4 Half-Dollar resemble on
the obverse the large eagle Cent, excepting the date 1792
instead of 1791, and the legend which reads " G. Washington
President I." The reverse resembles that of the small eagle
Cent, excepting that there are fifteen stars instead of eight ;
the clouds are wanting and the body of the eagle is larger
in the 1792 piece. When in copper this is called the Cent;
when in silver the Half-Dollar. They are larger in diameter
than the other Washington Cents.
The next described pieces are of unknown origin.
The Washington piece with stars over the eagle resembles the
large eagle Cent of 1791, excepting that on the obverse the
date is 1792, and the reverse, in place of the words " One
Cent," there is a single star over the head of the eagle, above
which twelve similar stars form a curve reaching from wing to
wing of the eagle. It is found in copper and in silver;
some specimens have the edge lettered "United States of
America."
The following token is supposed to be of American origin.
A bust of Washington with queue, facing right; legend,
" Georpre Washington." Reverse, an eye in the centre, with
rays radiating around it, every third ray being longer than
the rest and separated from each other, fifteen stars arranged
in a circle ; legend, " Success to the United States." It is
109
usually in brass, but rarely it is found in copper, and is ot
two sizes, the larger, something larger than the early IT. S.
Quarters, the other a shade larger than the early Dimes.
A few English tokens, usually classed as Colonials, referring
to this country, will now be mentioned.
The Georgivs Triumpho copper has a head laureated, fac-
ing right. Legend, "Georgivs Triumpho." Reverse, God-
dess of Liberty, facing left, behind a frame of thirteen bars
with a fleur-de-lis in each corner. An olive branch is held in
her right hand, a staff of liberty in her left. Legend, "Voce
Popoli," Date 1783. Worth a dollar in fine condition.
The North American Token has a female seated, facing
left, with a harp. Legend, " North American Token." Date
1781. Reverse, a ship sailing to the left. Legend, Com-
merce." Worth fifty cents when fine.
The Auctori Plebis has a bust, laureated and draped, facing
left. Legend, " Auctori : Plebis." Reverse, a female seated,
with her left arm resting on an anchor, the right on a globe ;
at her feet is a lion. Legend, " Indep. et liber." Date 1787.
Worth one to three dollars.
The Franklin Press has an old-fashioned printing press
and legend " Sic oritur doctrina ^surgetque libertas." Date
1794. Reverse, Payable at the Franklin Press, London,"
in five straight lines. Worth fifty cents in fine condition.
110
A popular token, known as the Kentucky Cent, has a hand
holding a scroll inscribed "Our Cause is Just." Legend,
" Unanimity is the Strength of Society." Eeverse, a radi-
ant pyramid, triangular in shape, of fifteen stars united by
rings, each star having placed in it the initial of a State,
Kentucky being at the top. Legend, "E Pluribus Unum."
It is often found considerably circulated, showing it to have
been used, and sells for from fifty cents to several dollars,
according to condition.
Two other Kentucky tokens of beautiful execution, which
do not appear to have ever circulated, are sometimes brought
over from England. They have the same obverse, which has
for a device a female, personating Hope, bending before an
anchor and presenting two children to a female who stands
with a liberty cap in the right hand and with the other out-
stretched to receive them. Legend, " British Settlement
Kentucky." Date 1796. Beeerae N>. 1, Britannia with
bowed head, holding a spear inverted; a fasces, broken sword
and scales of justice lie at her feet; before her is a cap of
liberty. Legend, "Payable by P. P. P. MydcUeton." Reverse
No. 2, " Copper Company of Upper Canada," in four straight
lines within a Avreath, is surrounded with the legend " One
Half Penny." Both of these tokens are found in copper
with the first described reverse. It is sometimes found in
silver.
ill
The Continental Currency piece has thirteen rings linked
together, each bearing the name of a State, Legend, Ameri-
can Congress," on a label around the centre. In the centre
are the words " We are One." Between the legend and
rings a circle of rays are seen. Reverse, a sun-dial with the
sun shining upon it on the left side. Legend, " Continental
Currency." Date 1776 below. " Mind Your Business " below
the dial ; " Fugio " near the sun and under " Continental."
These pieces are as large as a silver dollar and are usually
in tin, but a few are known in silver and one in bra?s. One
variety has currency spelt with one " r " and another, which
is rare, has " E. G., Fecit," at the base of the inner circle.
The common variety brings about two dollars.
One of the most interesting and most widely circulated of
all the Colonial series remains to be described. They are
called the Fngios or Franklin Cents and are the earliest
coins issued by authority of the United States. They are all
dated 1787, and are made in conformity with the following
resolution of Congress, dated July 6, 1787 :
" Resolved, That the Board of Treasury direct the contractor
for the copper coinage to stamp on one side of each piece
the following devices, viz. : Thirteen circles linked together, a
in
small circle in the middle, with the words ' United States'
round it and in the centre the words ' We are One ' ; on the
other side of the same piece the following device, viz. : A dial
with the hours expressed on the face of it ; a meridian sun
above, on one side of which is to be the word ' Fugio ' and
on the other the year in figures ' 1787 ' ; below the dial the
words ' Mind Your Business.' "
Great numbers of these pieces were coined, and yet they
bring, in perfect condition, seventy-five cents to one dollar.
.V number of dies were made, varying slightly. In some
cases the word " States " preceded " United."
A number of impressions in silver and also in alloy of
copper and zinc, from original dies, were struck a few years
ago.
There are also a few pieces in existence that differ more
widely from those authorized by the resolution of Congress.
On' (if these has stars within the rings, others have the names of
the States on the rings, with the words " We are One " omit-
ted and "American Congress" taking the place of " United
States." Some of them have an eye in the centre, and all of
them rays between the motto and the rings. The obverse is
without any letters. One specimen is known in brass, and
live of different patterns in silver. They all would command
high prices, those in silver especially so, but have rarely
passed hands.
Standard American Numismatic Publications.
Monograph of U. S. Cents and Half Cents. 9 Heliotype
plates with a hundred of illustrations by Ed. Frossard, very
complete. Price $3.00.
Coins of New Jersev, an excellent work by Ed. Maris, M. D.
Price $4.00. Illustrated.
The early Coins of America and Laws governing their issue.
Illustrations of over 1000 coins on heliotype plate and wood
cuts. Most complete work ever published, by Sylvester S.
Crosby. Price $12.00.
Current Gold and Silver Coins of all Nations, by Ivan C.
Michels, Ph. D. M. A. Illustrations of 1453 foreign coins,
their value in U. S. Money A valuable assistant to mer-
chants and bankers and no library is complete without it.
Priee $3.00. The above works you can get only from all
Numismatists or the publishers of this work.
The Coin Collectors Illustrated Guide. 5 numbers are now
publishde ; it is an assistant to the coin collectors. Per
113
number 15 cents or 2 differerent numbers for 25 cents. Ad-
dress: P. O. Box 1954. Philadelphia.
U. S. Silver Coin Type Table, by John M. Hazeltine, of all
known varieties of dollars, halves and quarters, most complete
ever published. Their numismatic value and the prices they
sold for onNov. 28th, 29th, 30th, 1881. Price 75 cents.
RARE IT. S. COINS.
The rarest United States Coin is the Double Eagle of 1849,
of which there is only one in existence and belongs to the U.
S. Mint Cabinet. The next in rarity is the Half Eagle of
1815, of this date there are only seven specimens known to
exist.
The Silver Dollar of 1804 is also one of the rare coins ; of
this Dollar only ten genuine pieces are known to exist, all of
which are now held by collectors' Of the 1804 Dollar several
re-strikes have been made. To obtain a fine one from original
die would cost at least $1,000; there is many altered dates.
The Half Dollars of 1796 and 1797, if in fine condition bring
$40, of the two the 1796 is the rarer and usually sells at a stil!
higher rate.
The Quarter Dollars of 1823 and 1827, if in good condition
sell readily at $30 each ; but if in strictly fine preservation
double that sum is cheerfully paid.
Of the Dimes there are none of extreme rarity, still among
the rare coins of this denomination that of 1804 is the rarest,
and if in good -condition can be bought at from $5.00 to
$10 ; but a real fine specimen would bring a great deal more.
Among the Half Dimes that of 1802 is the rarest, and a
very fine piece with that date sells readily at $100.
Still, there are other United States coins which are much
sought after, and as they pass from hand to hand only for
their face value, and the collector of coins is always in search
of many of them, we think it but right to inform our readers
of their nature. To understand well the premium value of
any coins of rarity, the condition of the piece is essential. A
coin brilliant as if fresh from the coining press is consideede
and known as "proof;" again, one which is free from the uses
and abuses of circulated money is known as " uncirculated " and
becomes next in premium value. The age of a coin is not
always a guarantee of a premium above face value, hence it
would be advisable to the readers of this book to suggest to
them that a correspondence with a Numismatist of respecta-
bility and responsibility is of great importance and will be
114
of benefit to holders of the following coins, which are sold at
a premium or advance over face value.
The following prices quoted are meant in good condition,
worn condition less and finer a great deal more.
U. S. SILVER DOLLARS.
1804, $500; 1794,1838, 39, 51, 52, each $20; 1858, $10;
1798, small Eagle 15 stars, $6 ; 1798, small Eagle, $3 ; 188(1,
$3.50 ; 1799, five stars facing, $2 ; 1854, 55, 56, $2 ; 1795, 9(1,
97, 1801, 02, 03, $1.50 each. Trade dollars of 1879, 80, 81,
and 82 are very rare, as only a few hundred of each as proof!
for collectors were struck, and command a premium.
HALF DOLLARS.
All must be in good condition. 1794, $3; 1796, $25;
1797, $20; 1801, $2; 1802, $3; 1815, $2.50; 1836, Reeded
or unlettered edge, $1.50; 183.8, with an O over the date,
$10; 1852, if in good condition, $2,
QUARTER DOLLARS.
1823 and 1827, $20 each ; 1858, without sun rays back of
Oigle and no arrows near date, $4: 1796 and 1804, $2 each,
DIMES
Of 1804 are worth $5 each ; those of 1796, 1797, 1798, 1800,
1801, 1802, 1803 and 1822, if in good condition, are worth
$1 to $2, each; those of 1805, 1807,1809, 1811 and 1846, if
in good condition, are worth 50c. to 75c. each.
HALF DIMES.
1802 are worth, if in good condition, $50 each; 1794, 1796,
1797, 1800, 1, 3 and 5, if in good condition, are worth from
$1 to $2 each ; 1795, 1846 and 1838, without stars, if in goo<|
condition, are worth from 50c. to $1 each.
SMALL THREE CENT SILVER COINS.
All the issues of the Three Cent Silver Coins from 1863 to
1873 inclusive, in fine condition, from 15c. to 25c. each.
TWO CENTS COPPER COINS.
A fine specimen of 1878 coinage is worth 50 cents.
COPPER CENTS.
The rarest are the Copper Cents issued in 1793, 1799 and
1804, provided they are in a good condition, they bring from
$3 to $5 a piece ; but if in fine they sell at higher prices. The
Copper Cent of 1809, if in a good state of preservation, is
worth 50c. each. The cents with the following dates : 1 794,
1795, 1796, 1797, 1800, 1805, 1806, 1808, 181.1, 1813, and
1823, provided they are in good condition, bring a slight pre-
8 to
115
mium, but when in a poor or even only fair condition they are
only worth their face value. Nickel Cent, 1856, $1'.
HALF CENTS.
The issue of 1796 is worth $5 each ; those of 1793 is worth
$1, each; while those of 1794, 1795, 1797, 1802 and 1811 are
worth from 25 to 50c. each, provided they are in a good state
of preservation. 1831, 1836, 1840, to 1848 inclusive, 1849
with very small d?te, 1852, $3.50 each.
Of the United States Silver coins none of the other dates
are rare, except those above mentioned and priced.
A. M. Smith, Numismatist, Philadelphia, Pa.
Colonial and Continental Paper Money.
As early as 1791, during the progress of King William's
War, it appears that Massachusetts issued bills of Credit to
pay her troops, Connecticut, New York, and New Jersey
followed in train, in 1709, and issued the money to pay the
rV This Bill entitles^
^ the Bearer to re
teiveTortyJjianhl
mti&A Uni&rs, or
th^atue thereof in
(JoCJordiCver^c
cer'l\nrto0i7<pfo(t
tionp'd\icdhy6on
jnfi atybrkhwn
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XL&OJ&AA&
expenses of Indian Wars. The Legislature of Georgia issued
paper bills of Credit that amounted in 1760, to seven thousand
four hundred and ten pounds sterling. Each of the other
Colonies resorted to the same means to raise money. Vermont
issued the least amount, all of which appeared in one month
***** tfWD, Hall,
life.
Vwtf?.
117
1781, and was all redeemed. Other States redeemed it in
rt. The following list shows the time each of the Colonies,
in one instance the State, ceased to emit this paper money :
iW Hampshire, 1780 Pennsylvania, 1785
aeeachusetts,
1785
Delaware,
1777
aode Island,
1786
Maryland,
1781
mnecticnt.
1791
Virginia,
1781
ew York,
1786
North Carolina,
1785
ew Jersey,
1786
South Carolina,
1779
Georgia,
1786
The first emission of bills of credit by congress was in June,
'75. The amount was two millions of dollars. Eighteen months
terward, twenty millions of dollars more were issued ; and
ill later, a larger quantity; in all, three hundred and seventy -
ve millions. The states also issued many millions. In 1780,
: least two hundred million of continental money were in
irculation,
The confederation was indeed pledged to redeem these bills,
ad each colony its proportion of them, by the year 1779.
Nevertheless, they began to lose their value in 1777, and by
tie year 1778, five or six dollars of it would only pass
or one.
But this was only the beginning of its depreciation. In
779, twenty-seven or twenty-eight dollars of it were only
orth one of hard money, and in 1780 it was fifty or sixty
or one. By the middle of this year, the bills almost ceased
o circulate ; and when they did circulate, it was at less than
hundredth part of their nominal value, sometimes less than
he five hundredth.
Yet congress . had ordered that they should be a lawful
ender for the payment of debts, at their full nominal value,
*nd the soldiers were to be paid in them. Six months' pay
)f a soldier, in 1779, would not provide bread for his family
for a month ; nor the pay of a colonel " purchase oats for
his horse."
There were many causes which operated to produce this un-
heard-of depreciation of a currency which the nation was
bound to redeem. 1. Too much of it was issued. 2. The
quantity was greatly increased by counterfeits and forgeries.
3. It was for the pecuniary advantage of public agents — since
they received a commission proportioned to the amount of
their purchases for the army — -to pay high prices. 4. There
was' a doubt of the ability of the states to pay these notes,
as well as a distrust of the faith of the states, in respect to their
redemption.
118
But whatever the causes may have been, and however
promising its first effects, no measure of congress produced
more mischief in the end, by weakening and destroying pub-
lic confidence, than this same continental money. It may l>e
difficult, however, to say by what other means the war could
have been sustained.
PLACES OF INTEREST TO VISITORS.
Academy of Fine Arts, Broad and Cherry Streets, admis-
sion, 25 cents. Lovers of Art should not fail to visit it.
Academy of Natural Science, Nineteenth and Race Streets.,
It contains 300,000 specimens. Admission, 10 cents. No one
should fail to see it.
Carpenter's Hall, south side of Chestnut, below Fourth.
Custom House, south side of Chestnut, above Fourth.
Fairmount Park and Water Works. Go and see it by all
means, or you will regret it.
Franklin's Grave, S. E. corner of Fifth and Arch Streets,
can be seen from the street.
Girard College, Twentieth and Girard Avenue. Admission
free, by tickets from the Ledger Offiice.
Independence Hall and National Museum, Chestnut Street,
from fifth to sixth Street.
Laurel Hill Cemetery, the Oldest and Finest, in the United
States.
Markets are spread all over the city, a visit to them will
sufficiently repay you for your trouble, Wednesday or Saturday
morning.
U. S. Navy Yard, south end of Broad Street.
New City Hall, Broad and Market, north of U. S. Mint.
It is the finest in the United States.
Pennsylvania Hospital, Eighth and Spruce. Visitors ad-
mitted from 9 A. M. to () P. M. except on Saturday and
Sunday.
Pennsylvania Museum and School of Industrial Art, is in
the Memorial Hall, West Fairmount Park. Open from 9 A.
M. to () P. M, except Monday. Admission free.
[J. 8. Naval Asylum, Gray's Ferry Road and BainbruM
Street
Zoological ( tardea, on the west side of the Schuylkill River
near Girard Avenue Bridge. Several thousands of wild beasts,
birds and reptiles may be seen here. Admission", 25 cents,
119
CIRCULAR.
ESTIMATING AND PROCLAIMING, IN UNITED STATES
MONEY OF ACCOUNT, THE VALUES OF THE STAN-
DARD COINS IN CIRCULATION OF THE VARIOUS
NATIONS OF THE WORLD.
1881. j£ ^
W^S^. HKaanrg jpeparimwi,
BUREAU OF THE MINT.
Washington,!). C, Jan. 1, 1881.
Hon. John Sherman,
Secretary of the Treasury. /
Sir: — In pursuance of the provisions of Section 8564 of the
Revised Statutes of the United States, I have estimated the values of
the standard coins in circulation of the various nations of the world,
and submit the same in the accompanying table.
Very respectfully,
HORATIO C. JU'RCHARD,
Director of the Mint,
TREASURY DEPARTMENT,
Washington, D. C, Jan. 1, 1881.
The following estimation, made by the Director of the Mint, of the
value of the foreign coins above mentioned, I hereby proclaim to be
the values of such coins expressed in the money of account of the
United States, and to be taken in estimating the values of all foreign
merchandise, made out in any of said currencies, imported on or
after Jan. 1, 1881.
JOHN SHERMAN,
Secretary of the Treasury.
31
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LOAN DEPT.
This book is due on the last date stamped below, or
on the date to which renewed.
Renewed books are subject to immediate recall.
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